If your windows look sad, they might be weeping on the inside from condensation.Bad seals in double-pane windows can allow moisture to build up between the panes of glass. Temperature changes cause condensation or a “milky” appearance between the panes of glass
In some cases, Glass Doctor® can replace the glass, saving you the cost of a totally new window frame and the repairs to install a complete window unit. But in some double-pane windows, especially Insulated Glass units, you may need to upgrade your existing windows with new energy-efficient glass replacements.
An Insulated Glass (IG) unit must have two pieces of glass and an insulating spacer, which is a metal tube around the perimeter of the IG unit. A spacer is filled with a special moisture absorbing material called a desiccant - like the little bags you find in a shoebox with brand new shoes. The perimeter of the entire unit is sealed with a high grade sealant. As a result, IG units should never have condensation.
Some Windows are Drafty, Too
Next time you feel a draft at your windows, hold a feather next to the seals and joints along the window frame. If the feather moves a lot, the joint may be leaking.
The problem may be the window’s construction if the leak is between the frame and the sash. Measure the window to determine if it is square, plumb and level, and look to see if the window frame is twisted. If the window construction is poor or damaged, the glass panes may pull away from the window frame and the seals may fail.”
If the feather flutters only slightly or does not flutter at all along the seals and joints, move the feather slowly across the face of the window glass. If the feather moves a lot, there might be cold air moving down the surface of the glass. Energy deficient windows will be cold to the touch in winter. The window surface will cool the air next to it. Cold air will move down the window if the inside room temperature is much higher than the outside temperature. If the air is more humid inside than outside, the cold window glass also will cause condensation.
Condensation, temperature drafts and bad-seal drafts all can be solved by replacing damaged windows with high-energy efficient IG units. If you have an older home subject to frequent temperature changes IG units can help balance the indoor climate.
When you consider whether or not to repair or replace IG units, consult your local Glass Doctor for the options available. One pane of glass may be able to be repaired by Glass Doctor instead of replacing the entire IG window unit. Find a Glass Doctor shop on the Web at www.glassdoctor.com
In some cases, Glass Doctor® can replace the glass, saving you the cost of a totally new window frame and the repairs to install a complete window unit. But in some double-pane windows, especially Insulated Glass units, you may need to upgrade your existing windows with new energy-efficient glass replacements.
An Insulated Glass (IG) unit must have two pieces of glass and an insulating spacer, which is a metal tube around the perimeter of the IG unit. A spacer is filled with a special moisture absorbing material called a desiccant - like the little bags you find in a shoebox with brand new shoes. The perimeter of the entire unit is sealed with a high grade sealant. As a result, IG units should never have condensation.
Some Windows are Drafty, Too
Next time you feel a draft at your windows, hold a feather next to the seals and joints along the window frame. If the feather moves a lot, the joint may be leaking.
The problem may be the window’s construction if the leak is between the frame and the sash. Measure the window to determine if it is square, plumb and level, and look to see if the window frame is twisted. If the window construction is poor or damaged, the glass panes may pull away from the window frame and the seals may fail.”
If the feather flutters only slightly or does not flutter at all along the seals and joints, move the feather slowly across the face of the window glass. If the feather moves a lot, there might be cold air moving down the surface of the glass. Energy deficient windows will be cold to the touch in winter. The window surface will cool the air next to it. Cold air will move down the window if the inside room temperature is much higher than the outside temperature. If the air is more humid inside than outside, the cold window glass also will cause condensation.
Condensation, temperature drafts and bad-seal drafts all can be solved by replacing damaged windows with high-energy efficient IG units. If you have an older home subject to frequent temperature changes IG units can help balance the indoor climate.
When you consider whether or not to repair or replace IG units, consult your local Glass Doctor for the options available. One pane of glass may be able to be repaired by Glass Doctor instead of replacing the entire IG window unit. Find a Glass Doctor shop on the Web at www.glassdoctor.com
No comments:
Post a Comment