Blog entry by Esther Crutchfield
double glazing windows repairs Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time your double-glazed windows may begin to show signs of needing repair to double glazed windows. Some of these signs are a draft coming through the window or misting and condensation on windows.
These issues can be solved without replacing your entire window unit, and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray piece of sand from your lawnmower or an accident at work can cause cracks to appear in the double-glazed windows you have. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows as it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a broken glass pane creates a gap within your frame, you will need to replace it.
A new window can be put in place in a few easy steps. The old glass and the wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane is positioned in the opening of the frame and then pressed in place by using silicone caulk.
The gap in the frame is then filled with window putty, which can be spread using a putty blade and smoothed by a second knife. Window putty can also act as an adhesive to keep the new pane in place. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you might need a chisel to remove any varnish or paint from the grooves where the moldings fit.
Wear heavy gloves when working with glass prior installing the new window. After that, using a utility knife, scrape off any remaining window glazing and measure the opening of the new window. For a wooden frame you should subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement in order to account for the expansion and contraction of wood. Metal frames should be treated in the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits comfortably.
When repairing double glazing windows a double-glazed window It is also possible that seals between the glass panes may be damaged. This can lead to condensation or a mist that forms in the gap. This issue can be fixed by a technician who drills tiny holes into the frame. He or she will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it, and reseal.
While you can fix double-glazed windows on your own, it is normally recommended to hire an expert handle the task. Special tools are required to remove and install the new glass, so the job should only be handled by a certified professional to avoid injuries.
Foggy Windows
The window seal (also called the gasket for windows) is responsible for sealing air between the two glass panes in your double glazing, Double Glazing Windows Repairs and preventing drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes the window seal will shrink or perish. This is due to natural expansion and contraction as the window goes through various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
Foggy windows can be a sign of a failing airtight seal. This can allow moisture from the outside to penetrate and build up in between the glass panes, resulting in a frosted, wet appearance which is difficult to clean.
There are a variety of options to fix this issue without removing your double glazing windows repairs-glazing. One way to fix this issue is to "defog the window'. This can be accomplished by drilling tiny holes in the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. However, this is a short-term fix as the solution will only eliminate the fog, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and does not restore energy efficiency that may have been lost due to degrading seals.
Another option is to replace your glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, fresh windows, free of fog, and will restore any energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than fixing the IGU, but it's a more permanent one.
There is also the possibility that the frame of your door or window may be rotting and need to be replaced. This is a major repair and can be very costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a fresh start and prevent more moisture from entering your home. If you do decide to replace the window, it's best to have an expert visit and evaluate the damage prior to making any repairs. They can give you an estimate and guide you on your options. They can help you select the right double-glazing option that is perfect for your. They will use quality materials and will ensure that your windows are put in place properly to last for many years to come.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air is in contact with a cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed windows is easy to wipe away the moisture that forms between the glass panes could be more problematic, and can cause the growth of mould, or even damage the glass itself.
The condensation of moisture between your windows could be caused by many things, including temperature fluctuations as well as high humidity and damaged seals. Older windows are more vulnerable to this issue than newer ones with improved sealing technology.
While the formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something to ignore, it is important to remember that it is possible to fix the issue without the need to replace the entire window unit. In many instances, this issue is caused by leaks in the vacuum or gas seal that is found in the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional can examine your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If the seals need to be replaced, it will improve your windows' capacity to insulate heat or cold which will result in lower energy bills.
A specialist can employ a drill to cut holes in the inside and outer windows to remove the moisture that has accumulated inside. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to remove all the moisture. Once this is done, the window can be sealed and fitted with vents to allow the windows to naturally eliminate moisture and air.
It is best to ensure that your windows are maintained and sealed to avoid this problem. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional conduct a regular maintenance service for your double-glazing. This will help you spot any problems early and fix them before they get any more severe, thus prolonging the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames damaged
Sometimes the frames of double glazing may be damaged and require repair. Repairs to these frames will require the expertise of a qualified professional. They are less expensive than replacing the windows. They are also more energy efficient.
Condensation occurs when moisture gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This happens when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space free of water cracks and tiny holes appear. This could be because of a variety of causes most often the seals wearing down or a small amount of moisture getting trapped in between the panes.
The first step should you encounter this issue is to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing from. They will then investigate the problem and, if it is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to replace the unit for you.
The process could take a long time, based on the amount of activity at the firm. It is therefore an excellent idea to research to find as much information about the company and the installers as you can before you sign an agreement with them. This will help you to avoid any problems later on and also ensure that repairs are carried out properly.
A professional can repair gaskets that have shrunk, or broken, in order to prevent condensation and moisture from developing between the glass panes. This can be much cheaper than buying and installing new double glazed repair-glazing windows that could cost thousands of dollars. It's also better for the environment and will allow you to reduce your energy bills.
In some cases, the frame of a window might need to be replaced
completely. It could be due to damage or windows are worn out and
not energy efficient. If the window cannot be repaired, it's
recommended that it is replaced with a replacement of a similar
design. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home and
will prevent any future issues with leaks and
condensation.