Double Glazed Windows Repairs Over time your double glazed windows will begin to display signs that they require repair. It could be a draught entering the window, misting, condensation between the windows and broken glass. These problems can often be solved without the need to replace all window units and it could also help you save the cost of your energy bills. Broken Panes A stray piece of grass or a baseball that is toss by your children or even an accident at work could lead to a crack in the glass of your double-glazed window. In contrast to single-pane windows glazing has an airtight seal that protects the gas from being insulated between two panes of glass. Therefore, if a broken pane of glass leaves your home with a space in the frame, it is essential to replace it. In just a few steps, you can install the new window pane. The old glass as well as the wood surrounding it must be removed. The new pane must be inserted inside the frame opening and pressed down 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 knife, and then smoothed by a different one. Window putty is also an adhesive to hold the new pane in place. If the wood moldings on your double-glazed windows are painted, you'll need to use the chisel to scrape off the varnish or paint. Before installing a new window, ensure you are wearing a pair or gloves that are heavy to avoid cutting yourself when working with glass. Then, scrape away any window glass that remains with a utility knife and take measurements of the opening to the new window. For wooden frames you should 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 snugly. It is possible that the seals between glass panes may also become faulty during the repair of double-glazed. This could result in condensation or mist forming in the gap. This issue can be solved by a technician who drills small holes in the frame. The technician can then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it and seal it. It is best to delegate the task of repairing double-glazed windows a professional. Special tools are required to remove and install the new glass, so the job should only be done by a trained professional to avoid injuries. Foggy Windows The window seal, also referred to as the gasket or window seal is responsible for sealing the air between two panes in double glazing. It also stops drafts as well as moisture and sound. Over time the window seal may shrink or become brittle. This is because of the natural expansion and contraction of the window when it goes through various weather conditions and temperatures all through the year. Foggy windows are an indication of a failed airtight seal. This allows moisture from the outside to penetrate and build up within the glass panes, resulting in the appearance of a wet, frosted look that is hard to clean. You can fix the problem without having to remove double-glazing. One option is to 'defog the window by drilling tiny holes and injecting a cleansing solution between the glass panes. This is however an immediate fix since the solution only removes the fog, it does not replace the inert gas between the glass and does not restore energy efficiency that may be lost due to the deterioration of seals. You can also replace your insulated glazing unit (IGU). This will provide you with clean, fresh windows that are free of fog and will restore any energy efficiency. This solution is more expensive than repairing the IGU, but it's a more permanent one. There is also the possibility that the frame of your door or window could be decaying and requires to be replaced. This is a major repair job and can be very costly and replacing the damaged frames will give you a new start and will stop any further moisture from entering your home. It is best to get an expert to look at the damage to your window prior to you begin any repairs. They will give you a quote and advise you on your options. They can help you select the right double-glazing option that is perfect for your. They will put in your windows properly and make use of top quality materials. Condensation Between the Panes Condensation occurs when warm air comes in contact with the cold surface. This causes the water vapour in the air to condense, creating droplets of liquid. Condensation that forms on glass windows that are double-glazed is easily removed. However, the moisture that collects between the panes may cause mold to grow or even harm the glass. The moisture that builds up between the windows of your home could be caused by a number of problems, including temperature variations or high humidity levels, as well as broken seals. Older windows are more susceptible to this issue than ones with better sealing technology. The formation of condensation between the panes of your window is not something you ought to ignore, it is important to keep in mind that this issue can be fixed without the need to replace the entire window unit. In many cases this problem, it is caused by leaks in the gas seal or vacuum which is found in the outer and inner frames of your windows. A trained professional will inspect your windows and determine whether the seals are damaged or require to be replaced. If the seals are replaced, it will help to restore the windows' ability to insulate cold and heat and result in lower energy bills. A specialist can employ a drill to make holes in both the inner and outside windows to get rid of 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 this is accomplished the window can then be sealed and fitted with vents to let the windows naturally release air and moisture. The best way to avoid this issue completely is to ensure that your windows are sealed and maintained regularly to prevent the seals from deteriorating. This can be accomplished by hiring a professional who will conduct regular maintenance on your double glazing. This will ensure that any problems are detected early and fixed before they get more serious, helping to extend the lifespan of your double-glazed windows as well as reduce the necessity for replacements. Frames that are damaged Sometimes frames made of double-glazing can develop problems which require fixing. These repairs will require the expertise of a professional. Most of these types are cheaper than having to replace the windows. They are also more energy efficient. One of the most frequently encountered issues is when water seeps into the frame of a double glazed unit and causes condensation. This occurs when the seal made of rubber that keeps the insulating space clear of water breaks, and tiny holes appear. This can happen for various reasons. Most often the seals wear out or a tiny amount of moisture is trapped between the panes. The first thing to do if you notice this problem is to contact the company you purchased your double-glazed unit from. The company will investigate the problem and, if the warranty is valid, they will arrange for the unit to be replaced. It is important to remember that this process could take a long time, depending on how busy the business is. It is important to find out as much as you can about the company as well as the installers and their services before signing a contract. This will help you avoid problems later and ensure that repairs are done correctly. A professional can replace the gasket seals which have shrunk and broken to stop condensation and moisture from developing between the panes of glass. This is a less expensive alternative to installing double-glazed windows that could cost thousands of pounds. This is more sustainable for the environment and will save you money on energy costs. In some cases the frame of the window may require a complete replacement. This could be because of damage or if windows have become old and no longer energy efficient. If the window is damaged beyond repair, it is best to replace it with the same type of unit. This will improve the efficiency of your home and prevent future problems with condensation and leaks.