How to Fix Common Double Glazing Window Repairs
Double glazing keeps your home warm but it's not without its flaws. The most frequent issues are condensation between panes or broken seals. All of these issues can be resolved by a little know-how.
In general, it's recommended to leave double-glazing window repairs to professionals. This will cut down on time and ensure that the repair is done properly.
Broken or cracked Panes
The glass in a double-pane window separated by a spacer and filled with air or dense gas that acts as a barrier. This creates a secure seal that is the reason why double-pane windows are efficient in energy use and also helps to prevent moisture buildup inside the home. If one of these panes has cracked or is broken, it should be repaired as quickly as possible. If left unattended cracks will continue develop and allow cold air to enter your home and warm air out. This can cost you money each day.
Double-pane windows can be cracked or broken in a variety of ways. A pebble from your lawnmower that flies against the window, a heavy drink laid down excessively on your glass-topped coffee table or even just a normal amount of wear and tear could cause cracks in your double-pane windows. No matter how they happen it is essential to repair any double-pane window cracks when you spot them, so that the cracks don't expand and create a web of cracks that will cover your windows.
To repair a cracked double-pane window, you'll have to take off the old sealant from the frame and glass using scraper or putty knife. Heat from a hairdryer, heat gun or any other heat source can soften the sealant and make it easier to remove. After removal of the old sealant you'll need to take out all broken glass by hand. Be careful not to break other panes. Be sure to wear gloves and keep a container for the broken glass for safe disposal.
If you choose to replace a broken windowpane with an alternative that is the same size you will need the new pane. After you've identified the best replacement, you can insert it into the frame using plastic spacers. Then seal it in place by applying a fresh coat of sealant. If you're not sure how to replace your double-pane windows or would like professional assistance, consider calling a professional glass contractor who can install the windows for you.
Foggy Windows
The reason for the windows to become cloudy is the failure of the seal between two windows. It can be a result of a myriad of factors such as sweat depressurization (a condition in which the body is unable to release heat through the skin) or extreme weather conditions. Winter is the most common time to experience foggy windows, when the cold outdoor air contrasts with the warmth of the indoors. In summer, it's the opposite with hot air colliding against cooler indoors.
The air-tight seal inside windows with double panes is typically made of an elastomer gasket that may be damaged over time due to weather, temperature fluctuations and other elements. Once the seal breaks it allows air, water and even insects to get between the glass panes. Fortunately, there are solutions for repair and elimination of fogging.
In most cases, it is recommended to call a professional service for fogging windows double glazing window repairs. They will usually offer warranties on their work, which may last for 10 years or more. Many of these companies will utilize a process known as "defogging," which involves drilling small holes into the glass and then spraying an anti-fog agent inside the glass. The technicians then create small vents to ensure proper ventilation, and seal the holes with clear silicone caulk.
It is also important to make sure that your windows have drainage holes. This is especially important in winter, when there could be a lot more humidity in the air. The drainage holes let moisture escape so that the double-glazed window isn't damaged. At Ambassador, we make sure that the frames we fit have these drainage holes. If they don't, we'll drill new holes prior to installing replacement windows to avoid future condensation and fogging issues.
Another option to eliminate fog is to replace a double pane with an IGU or insulated glazing unit (IGU). This is not as expensive as replacing the entire frame of the sash and can be completed in a much shorter time frame. This is a good choice for those who wish to save on energy costs, and get rid of the hassle of removing and reinstalling old sash frame.
Water Leaks
Sealant may be worn out if rainwater seeps around the window or in the walls. It's relatively simple to fix this issue. You can apply a new caulking layer, but first, you need to remove the old layer of caulking to create a new, smooth surface. This will stop water leaks and cut down on the amount of draughts coming in from the outside.
It is essential to check the area regularly for leaks, since they may not be visible. Check the wall either above or below the window to ensure that there aren't any water spots. If there aren't any stainings it could be coming from the gutter that is above or roof. It is also worth looking at the dimensions of the gutters in order to ensure that they are not pushing water into the places where the leaks are occurring.
If you notice that water is leaking from your double-glazed windows it is likely that the seal has failed. This will cause condensation, and the gas between the panes that typically provides an insulating property will cease to function. If this is the situation replacement of the unit with glass will usually solve the problem and will stop your home from feeling drafty and cold.
If you see water leakage across the bottom edges of your window, this may be a sign that the sill pan is defective or that the slope of the window sill requires to be corrected. These issues need to be fixed before they cause water leaks into your home.
The water that leaks from the top of the window is often caused by a poor window installation or incorrect size of gutters. It could also be a sign that the frame of the window has stretched or the aluminum frames aren't fitting together correctly. These issues must be addressed by an expert. In certain cases, the issue can be caused by clogged holes. These holes are intended to allow moisture to escape from the frames. However should they become blocked they could cause serious damage.
Broken Seals
Modern double and triple pane windows are insulated to help save homeowners money on their energy bills. These windows contain two or more glass panes, separated by an air gap, which is sealed with an elastic rubber sealant known as an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU). As time passes, the seals may break, causing a range of problems, including fogging and distortion of the glass. It's important to have these issues resolved quickly, as they can cause water damage, higher energy bills, and many other issues.
Thankfully, damaged seals are usually a simple repair for an experienced window technician. The technicians will remove and defog any condensation that may be present between the glass panes, which is usually caused by humidity. This process is known as defogging, and it generally takes about the hour or less. It is important to keep in mind however that the repair double glazed windows IGUs still contain their inert gases, and the original insulation value of these windows cannot be restored by this repair.
Window manufacturers expect their windows to take lots of abuse, from wind, rain and snow to baseballs and birds, so it's not uncommon for the window seals to wear out in time. This is the reason they offer an assurance and warranty that the window will last for 15-20 years or more. It is recommended to buy only high-quality, reputable windows. They should be installed by experts who are confident in their work.
If your window has a damaged seal, you must make an insurance claim to have it fixed or replace at no cost. This is an excellent option, particularly if your window appears to be in good shape and has no other problems. If you decide to replace your window, the technician will disassemble the sash, and replace the IGU with a similar replacement. The technician will then reassemble the sash and install the sash in your home. If the frame of your window has been damaged, you may need to replace the entire window.