Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Over time your double glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. Some of these signs include a draft coming through the window, or misting, and condensation on windows.

You can solve these problems without having to replace your entire window unit and save money on your energy bills.

Broken Panes

A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray piece of sand from your lawnmower or an accident at the office can cause a crack to develop in your double-glazed windows. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows since it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. If a glass pane that has been broken leaves a gap in your frame, you'll have to replace it.

A new window pane can be installed in a few simple steps. First the old glass as well as the surrounding wood should be removed from the frame. Next, the new pane is positioned in the frame's opening and then pressed into position using silicone caulk.

The frame's gap is then filled with window putty which can be spread around using a putty knife, and then smoothed using a second putty knife. Window putty also acts as an adhesive that helps keep the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows are painted, you'll require an axe to scrape off the paint or varnish.

Before installing a new window ensure that you have a pair of gloves that are thick to prevent cuts when working with glass. Then, using a utility blade scrape away any window glass that remains and determine the opening of the new window. With a wooden frame subtract 1/16 of an inch from each measurement to allow expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. The same process is to be followed for metal frames to ensure a secure fit of the glass replacement.

When repairing a double-glazed window, it is also possible that the 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 solved by a technician who drills tiny holes into the frame. The technician could then pipe hot air into the frame to dry the gap and seal it up again.

Although you can repair double glazing window double-glazed windows yourself, it is normally recommended to hire a professional take care of the job. Special tools are required to take out and install the new glass, therefore the work should only be performed by a qualified expert to avoid any injuries.

Foggy Windows

The window seal (also called the window gasket) is responsible for sealing air between the two glass panes in your double glazing, and keeping out drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes, the window seal can shrink or perish. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window when it goes through different temperature and weather conditions throughout the year.

Foggy windows can be a sign of a failing airtight seal. This can allow humidity from outside to enter and build up between the glass panes resulting in a an unsightly, frosted look that is difficult to clean.

There is a way to fix the problem without removing double-glazing. One solution to this issue is to "defog the window' in place. This can be done by drilling tiny holes in the glass panes and injecting a cleansing agent. But, this is a short-term fix as the solution only removes the fog, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and restore energy efficiency that may have been lost due degrading seals.

Another alternative is to replace the IGU, or insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, clear, fog-free windows and restore any loss in energy efficiency. This will cost more than simply repairing the IGU, but it is an option that is more durable.

It is possible that the frame of your door or window could be decaying. This will require replacement. This is a major repair and can be very expensive, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a fresh start and stop the entry of more moisture into your home. If you decide to replace the window, it's best to have an expert come out and assess the damage before making any repairs. They will give you an estimate and guide you on the options available. They will help you select a new double glazed repair-glazed that will fit perfectly. They will then install your windows correctly and use quality materials.

Condensation Between the Panes

Condensation occurs when warm air is in contact with the cold surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, creating droplets of liquid. While condensation that occurs on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to wipe away the moisture that forms between panes of glass can be more problematic, and may lead to the development of mould or damage to the glass itself.

The moisture that builds up between your windows could be caused by a variety of things such as fluctuating temperatures, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more susceptible to this problem than ones with better sealing technology.

The formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something you should ignore, it is important to remember that this can be repaired without having to replace the entire window unit. This issue is often caused by a leak around the frames that are either on the inside or outside of the window.

A professional can look over your window and determine if the seals require repair or replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will improve the windows' ability to insulate heat and cold and result in lower energy bills.

A specialist can use a drill to cut holes in both the interior and outside windows to get rid of the moisture that has built up within. It could take anywhere from a few hours to several days for the moisture to completely evaporate out of the window. Once this is accomplished the window can then be re-sealed and fitted with vents to let the windows naturally eliminate moisture and air.

It is important to ensure that your windows are maintained and sealed to prevent this issue. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional conduct regular maintenance for your double-glazing. This will help to detect any issues early and correct them before they get worse, which will prolong the lifespan of double-glazed windows.

Damaged Frames

Sometimes, the frames of double glazing could be damaged and require repair. These will need the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs to double glazed windows will be cheaper than replacing the window units. They will also be more energy efficient.

One of the most frequent issues is when water seeps into the frame of a double glazed unit and causes condensation. This is caused when the seal that keeps the insulating gap free of water wears out and minute holes appear. This can be a result of a variety of reasons, most commonly the seals wearing down or the slightest amount of moisture accumulating between the panes.

If you notice an issue, the first thing to do is contact the business from which you purchased your double glazing. The company will look into the problem and in the event that the warranty is valid, they will arrange for the unit to be replaced.

It is important to remember that this process could take some time, depending on how busy the company is. It is important to know as much as you can about the business as well as the installers and their services before signing the contract. This will help you to avoid any issues later on and to make sure that repairs are completed correctly.

A professional can replace gaskets that have shrunk or broken to stop condensation and moisture from forming between the glass panes. This is a much cheaper alternative to installing double glazing windows which can cost thousands of dollars. This is healthier for the environment and you will save money on energy costs.

In some cases the frame of a window may need to be replaced completely. This could be because of damage, or because the windows are old and are no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it is best to replace it with the same type of unit. This will improve the energy efficiency of your home and avoid future issues caused by leaks and condensation.