Double glazing is one of the best ways to insulate your home. It offers an incredible improvement on single glazing because of the layer of air trapped between the two panes. This air is warmed and helps to reduce heat loss between the inside of your home and the outside. But there are some things that can go wrong with your double glazing.
To work effectively, there needs to be a tight seal between the two panes of glass. When this seal is broken, it can allow moisture into the space between the panes. Throughout the day, as the air heats up, this moisture turns to a vapour and then settles on the panes again as it cools. This leads to a steamy or misted appearance that can impact your home in many ways.
Why does this happen?
This is commonly referred to as “blown” windows, and it refers to damage to the seals that help to keep air trapped between the panes of glass while also keeping moisture out. It is very common in older double glazing, more than 20 years old.
It is simply moisture from the air that has become trapped between the two panes of glass as a result of a faulty seal.
What happens when you have a blown double glazing window?
When you have condensation between the panes of glass, this is a sign that your double glazing isn’t working as it should. For double glazing to work efficiently, it needs to have a layer of trapped air. When there is a break in this seal, it means that your windows are not as effective at retaining heat in your home.
Another common side effect of blown double glazing is the impact on the quality of light in your home. You won’t be able to see out of the windows and the light will be diffused, which could make your interiors darker than usual.
There is also the aesthetic problem of blown double glazing. It can make a home look very run down and neglected, so many homeowners will be keen to fix this issue as soon as it happens.
And finally, there is also the potential for further damage to your frames if the problem is left untreated. The moisture can cause components in the frame to rust, rot or corrode, depending on what they are made of. This can quickly turn an inexpensive repair into a much more expensive one.
How do you fix misted double glazing?
There are two ways to address this problem. The first is to dry out the windows and then reseal them using special gaskets and sealants. This will help the aesthetic problem and can also help to prevent the issue from returning. The second method is to replace the glazing part of your window. This involves removing the seals that hold the glass in place and replacing it with new glass. This is then resealed to prevent any further issues with moisture. You could also replace the windows and frames if they are very old, as most double glazing units will start to fail after 20 years or more.
Closing thoughts
When your double glazing is steamed up and you can’t wipe it away from the inside or the outside, this could be a sign that your windows are blown. Don’t panic if this happens, as there is an easy fix. You can either remove the moisture and reseal the window or you can replace the glazing unit entirely to enjoy a fresh start. Just remember to take action quickly so that it doesn’t cause more damage to your window frames.
