Have you noticed your double glazing has become misted with condensation in between the glass panes making it impossible to look outside?
At first glance, it is easy to think the condensation is outside the window, but when you go to wipe it off. You find you can’t! Don’t worry; misted double glazing is a common problem for people all over the world, not just here in the UK.
It means the glass unit has failed. This happens over time from constant expansion in the hotter months of the year and contraction in the colder seasons and the seal cracks, letting moisture to enter between the two glass pieces. A glass unit, as with all products, comes with a life span. For glass units it can be anything from 5 year to 10 years.
Replacing your old misted units can make a dramatic difference to how your double glazing looks.
The are many benefits to keeping you double glazed in good order as listed below:
- Improved security – A broken lock or a stiff handle can be detrimental to the safety and security of your home. In the same way, a cracked window pane makes your home stand out as a target to potential intruders and outside threats. These issues can be easily remedied and ensure that your home remains secure.
- Reduces noise pollution – One of the less obvious benefits of properly sealed double glazing is that it’s a fantastic noise defuser, so if your double glazing windows or seals begin to fail, your peace and quiet could suffer. The layers of glass and air in a replacement can reduce noise pollution by up to 75%, helping you retain that serenity you enjoy.
- Improve the appearance of your property – You’ll start to notice condensation on the inside of your windows when they begin to fail. This will lead to foggy or misty window panes that obstruct visibility and natural light. By ensuring your windows are always in tip-top condition, you can make sure your home always looks like new.
- Save energy – Damaged windows aren’t just an eyesore — they can increase your energy bills too. By installing energy efficient double glazing panes you can prevent draughts and cracks for heat to escape so you won’t need to use as much energy to heat your house. How well your windows can help preserve energy relies on their Windows Efficiency Rating.
- Add value to your property – As effective double glazing improves the aesthetic of your home and helps to preserve energy, it means that the overall value of your home will also increase. Estate agents are adamant that a property with optimal double glazing will increase in value – great to know when it comes to selling your house.
What happens if I don’t repair my double glazing?
You may be tempted to ignore small cracks or minimal condensation in your windows if they don’t seem like a major inconvenience to you.
However, if you don’t take action to replace faulty window panes, you could be afflicted by more serious issues.
Mould and damp -. Misty windows are caused by condensation and if left unchecked can lead to mould and damp infecting your home. Once in, it’s difficult (and expensive) to remove, which is why replacing your double glazing early is so important.
Rotting frames – The more moisture that is trapped inside your windows, the more it will risk damaging your frames. When it comes to wooden frames, condensation and exposure to excess moisture can cause the frames to rot and warp. Fixing a faulty pane of double glazing early is a simple solution to prevent a major problem from happening.
Health issues – If your windows aren’t up to standard, your home will suffer from excess moisture. As well as being damaging to your property, you could also be putting your health in jeopardy. Exposure to damp environments can put you at risk of developing respiratory infections, allergies, asthma and can even affect your immune system.