Double Glazed Windows Repairs

As time passes, your double glazed windows will start to exhibit signs that they require repair. It could be a draught coming through the window, misting and condensation between windows and even broken glass.

You can solve these problems without replacing your entire window unit, and save money on your energy bills.

Broken Panes

A baseball thrown by your kids or a stray pebble from your lawnmower or a mishap at the office could cause a crack to appear in the double-glazed windows you have. 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 will have to replace it.

In a few easy steps, you can put in a new window pane. The old glass and the wood surrounding it must be removed. The new glass should be positioned inside the frame opening and then pressed into place using silicone caulk.

Window putty is used to cover the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied with the help of a blade for putty, glaze and then smoothed with a second one. Window putty is also used as an adhesive, which can help to hold the new pane in place. If your double-glazed windows have wood moldings, you may need a chisel to remove any varnish and paint from the grooves where the moldings will fit.

Before installing a new window, ensure that you have a pair of gloves that are thick to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Then, using a utility knife, scrape off any window doctor glass that remains and take measurements of the opening of the new windowpane. If you have 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 replacement glass.

In the course of repairing a double-glazed window it is also possible that seals between the glass panes may fail. This can result in condensation or mist forming in the gap. A technician can solve this problem by drilling tiny holes into the frame to expel any moisture. He or she can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it out and reseal.

It is best to leave the job of fixing double-glazed windows to professionals. Special tools are needed to remove 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 gasket on the window) is responsible for sealing air between the two panes of glass in your double glazing, and keeping out drafts, moisture and noise. Over time, the window seal can shrink or become brittle. This happens due to natural expansion and contraction when the window is exposed to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.

Foggy windows are a sign of a failing airtight seal. This allows humidity from outside to enter and build up between the glass panes, creating a wet, frosted appearance that is difficult to clean.

There is a way to fix the problem without removing double-glazing. One option is to 'defog' the window in place by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is however only a temporary fix since the solution only eliminates the fog, but it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and bring back the energy efficiency that might be lost due to degrading seals.

Another option is to replace your insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, clear windows, free of fog, and will restore any energy efficiency. It will cost more than simply fixing the IGU, but it is the most permanent solution.

It is possible that the frame of your window or door could be decaying. This will need replacement. This is a major repair and can be very expensive however, replacing the rotten frames will give you a fresh start and prevent further moisture from entering your home. It is best to get an expert to evaluate the damage to your window before you make any repairs. They will give you a quote and advise you on the options available. They can assist you in choosing the right double-glazing option that is perfect for your. They will install your windows correctly and use quality materials.

Condensation Between the Panes

Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that occurs on the surface of a double-glazed window is easy to remove, moisture that forms in between glass panes can be more troublesome and can lead to the development of mould, or even damage the glass itself.

The moisture that builds up between the windows of your home could be caused by a number of problems, including temperature variations, high humidity levels and damaged seals. This issue is more common in older windows than in modern ones with better sealing technology.

The formation of condensation between the window's panes is not something to ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this can be repaired without the need to replace the entire window unit. This issue is often caused by a leak around the inner or outer frames of the window.

A trained professional can inspect your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or require to be replaced. If the seals need to be replaced it will improve your windows' capacity to to insulate cold or heat which will result in lower energy bills.

To fix this issue, a professional can drill holes in the inner and outer window to expel the moisture that has built up inside. It could take anywhere from just a few hours to a few days for the moisture to completely clear out of the window. Once this is accomplished the window can be sealed and fitted with vents to allow the windows to naturally release air and moisture.

The best method to avoid this issue altogether is by ensuring that your windows are properly sealed, and regularly maintained to prevent the seals from degrading. This can be achieved by hiring a professional who will carry out regular maintenance on your double-glazing. This will ensure that any problems are identified early and rectified before they get more serious, helping to prolong the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and reducing the need for replacements.

Damaged Frames

Sometimes, the frames of double glazing can develop problems which need repairing. These repairs will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of these types of repairs will be much less expensive than replacing window units. They are also more energy efficient.

Condensation occurs when moisture enters the frame of double-glazed units. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating area free of water cracks and tiny holes appear. This can be a result from a variety reasons most often the seals wearing down or a small amount of water getting trapped between the panes.

The first step to take when you spot this issue is to contact the company you purchased your double glazing from. They will then examine the issue and, glaze if the problem is covered under warranty, they will arrange to have the unit replaced for you.

The process could take a while, depending on the activity level at the company. It is important to learn all you can about the company, the installers and their services prior to signing the contract. This will allow you to avoid any problems later on and ensure that repairs are carried out properly.

A professional can replace the gaskets that have shrunk, or broken, glaze to stop condensation and moisture from developing between the glass panes. This is a less expensive alternative to installing double-glazed windows which can cost up to thousands of dollars. This is healthier for the environment, and you will save money on energy bills.

In some cases, the frame of a window might require replacement completely. This could be due to damage or if the windows have become outdated and are no longer energy efficient. If the window cannot be repaired, it's recommended to replace it with a unit that is similar to the design. This will improve the efficiency of your house and prevent future problems with condensation and leaks.