7 Simple Secrets To Totally Rocking Your Double Glazing Windows Repairs
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Over time, your double-glazed windows will start to show signs that they need repair. These might include a draught entering the window, misting and condensation between windows and even broken glass.
You can resolve these issues without having to replace your entire window unit, and save money on energy bills.
Broken Panes
A lawnmower's pebble or a baseball thrown by your kids or even an accident at work could lead to a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. Double glazing differs from single-paned windows because it has an airtight gas seal between the two panes. So, if a damaged pane of glass leaves your home with a space in the frame, it is imperative to replace it.
In a couple of easy steps, you can put in an entirely new window pane. First the old glass and the wood around it should be removed from the frame. The new pane must be positioned inside the frame opening and pressed in place using silicone caulk.
Window putty is used to fill the gap between the frame and the new pane. It can be applied using a putty blade, then smoothed using a second one. Window putty can also act as an adhesive to keep the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows have been painted, you will require an axe to scrape off the varnish or paint.
Before installing a new window ensure you are wearing a pair of gloves that are thick to prevent cuts when working with glass. Next, scrape away any remaining window glass using a utility knife. Then take measurements of the opening to the new window. If you have a wooden frame subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement in order to take into account the expansion and contraction of wood. Metal frames should be treated in the same way, to ensure that the replacement glass fits perfectly.
When repairing a double-glazed window it is also possible that seals between the glass panes may become faulty. This can lead to condensation or the formation of mist in the gap. A technician can solve this problem by drilling small holes into the frame to remove any moisture. He or she may then pipe in hot air to dry the gap and seal it again.
Although you can repair double-glazed windows on your own, it is generally recommended to hire an expert handle the job. To avoid injury, it's best to leave the job to a professional.
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 and prevents drafts, noise and moisture. As time passes the window seal will shrink or perish. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window as it goes through various temperature and weather conditions all through the year.
Foggy windows are an indication of a weak airtight seal. This will allow humidity from outside to enter and build up between the glass panes resulting in a a wet, frosted appearance that is difficult to wipe clean.
There is a way to fix the problem without having to remove double-glazing. One method to solve this problem is to 'defog the window' in place. This can be accomplished by drilling tiny holes between the glass panes and injecting a cleaning agent. This is a temporary solution, as the solution will only remove the fog, not replace the inert gases between the glass panes. It will not replace any energy efficiency that's been lost because of deteriorated seals.
Another alternative is to replace the glass with an insulated glass unit (IGU). This will give you clean, fresh and clear windows, as well as restoring any lost energy efficiency. This is more expensive than simply fixing the IGU, but it's the most permanent solution.
It is possible that the frame of your door or window may be rotting. This could require replacement. This is a major repair and can be very costly, but replacing the rotted frames will give you a new start and will stop any further moisture from entering your home. It is best to hire a professional to assess the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They'll be able to give you a price and give you advice about the options available. They will help you select a new double-glazed that is suitable for. They will put in your windows in a proper manner and use top quality materials.
Condensation Between the Panes
Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface. The water vapour in the air to condense, forming droplets of liquid. While condensation that forms on the outside of a double-glazed window is easy to clean away but the condensation that occurs between panes of glass can be more problematic, and could result in the development of mould or damage the glass itself.
The moisture that builds up between your windows could be caused by a variety of factors such as temperature fluctuations, high humidity and broken seals. Older windows are more vulnerable to this issue than newer ones that have improved sealing technology.
Although the development of condensation between the window panes is not something you should ignore, it is important to keep in mind that it is possible to fix the issue without having to replace the entire window unit. In most cases this problem, it is caused by an issue with the gas seal, or vacuum, that is found between the outer and inner frames of your windows.
A trained professional will inspect your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or need to be replaced. If double glazing repairs Whitstable are replaced, it will help to restore the windows' ability to insulate heat and cold and result in lower energy bills.
To resolve this issue, a specialist can drill holes into the window's outer and inner parts to eliminate the moisture that has built up inside. It can take from a few hours to several days for the moisture to completely clear out of the window. Once the window is dry, it can be resealed with vents that allow moisture and air to be able to escape naturally.
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 deteriorating. You can achieve this by hiring a professional to carry out regular maintenance on your double glazing. This will help to detect any problems early and fix them before they get any worse, extending the life of double-glazed windows.
Frames that are damaged
Sometimes frames made of double-glazing can develop problems that need to be repaired. This will require the expertise of a professional. The majority of repairs will be cheaper than replacing the windows. They will also be much more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
Condensation occurs when water gets into the frame of double-glazed units. This is caused when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating gap clear of water breaks down and minute holes appear. This can occur due to many reasons. Most commonly seals wear out or a small amount of water gets trapped between the panes.
If you notice a problem the first thing you need to do is contact the company from which you bought your double glazing. They will then investigate the issue and, if the problem is covered under warranty, they'll arrange to have the unit replaced for you.
This process can take some time, depending on the level of activity within the company. It is therefore an excellent idea to research to find as many details about the company and the installers you can before you sign an agreement with them. This will allow you to avoid problems later and ensure that repairs are done properly.
A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and broken to stop moisture and condensation forming between the panes of glass. This can be a lot less expensive than buying and installing new double-glazing windows which can cost thousands of pounds. This is better for the environment and you'll save money on energy bills.
In some cases the frame of the window may require replacement completely. It could be due to damage or the windows are old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is beyond repair, it's best to replace it with a similar type of unit. This will improve the efficiency of your home and avoid future issues with leaks and condensation.