Misted Windows
Misted windows solutions can take many forms from the expensive full window replacement to drilling and draining moisture from the insulation gap, which is not recommended.
Misted Windows
WHAT IS DOUBLE GLAZING?
Double glazing consists of two panes of glass separated by a thermally efficient space. The glass panes are sealed using a hot melt adhesive to form a double glazed unit. The air trapped inside the two glasses, or argon gas for improved thermal efficiency, creates an insulating barrier that keeps warm air inside and the cold air outside.
WHAT IS MISTED DOUBLE GLAZING?
Misted double glazing is when a double glazed unit in a window shows signs of condensation in between the two panes of glass. The condensation will show as steam like streaks across the upper part of the double glazed unit. When the seal on the double glazed glass breaks down, it fails, as is known in the industry.
WHAT IS CONDENSATION?
On the inside
Condensation on the inside of double glazing means that water vapour known as humidity in the room cannot escape outside with excess moisture cooling and condensing into liquid on the window. You can get condensation on the inside of double glazed units when clothes are being dried in the room when the temperature on the outside is colder.
On the outside
Condensation on the exterior means the double glazed unit is performing exactly as it should and you will notice it disappear throughout the day as the sun rises. This phenomenon is a natural occurrence and not a fault with the glass or the window, and is not due to your double glazed window failing as described above. The situation occurs mainly in Spring and Autumn, when the glass temperature falls to a low level at night, with the moisture of a heavy morning dew condensing against the cold surface of the glass.
WHY DO DOUBLE GLAZING MIST UP?
Double glazed units mist up when the unit is no longer sealed. This can happen through age, prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions and manufacturing processes. Older units that were built by hand have almost all been replaced over the last decade.
For any other window problems, please visit our UPVC window repairs page.
We have an article relating to Window Security in our Advice Section.
WHAT CAUSES DOUBLE GLAZING SEAL TO BREAK?
Manufacturing processes have changed many times since double glazing was first introduced into the UK for the US back in the 1970's with the introduction of aluminium double glazed windows. The way the corners and the units are sealed have advanced greatly to produce units with long guarantees against failure.
IS IT WORTH REPLACING FAILED UNITS?
Replacing double glazed units that have broken down is not important during the summer months if you are able to live with the misty view. It is however, vital to have the work done before winter.
Failed double glazed units are costly in terms of home energy efficiency. With increased humidty in homes during the winter from washing and staying inside, condensation on windows becomes more of a problem.
Warm air is leaking from your home into the environment, making your heating system work harder than it needs to. Failed double glazing units can also be unsightly to view through, so they are worth replacing to restore the energy efficiency of the windows.
IS REPLACING UNITS QUICK?
For UK homeowners with modern energy rated aluminium or uPVC double glazing, replacing broken down sealed units is simple and easy to do. Properties with very old fenestration systems or timber double glazing many find replacement more costly, especially if the units are secured into the frames with putty rather than wooden beads.
SheffLOCK supply and install double glazed units to the strict British Standard and we will provide you with a 10 year sealed unit guarantee. Investing in home maintenance by replacing any broken down (failed) sealed units will definitely be money well spent.
DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY WINDOW FRAMES?
This is a common misconception. Replacement double glazing glass is a much cheaper alternative to installing new windows. As a misted up window is due to the seal on the glass, which has nothing to do with the frame itself.
Indeed, as long as the frame is in good condition, you simply just need to replace the glass unit. When performing double glazing repairs, it is a great opportunity to upgrade the glass to A-rated energy efficient to get better insulation and lower your heating bills
