Learn about how sealed double-glazed windows work. Get information on the instances in which your windows may require resealing and its benefits.
Regardless of whether you are buying an already built home, or you are building a new home, windows must be put into consideration. They play a vital role to make efficient homes by providing light, ventilation, and help in maintaining comfortable temperatures. The kind of windows you choose for a house will have an impact on the overall energy-efficiency of your home. Check out Windows Bristol.
They can also protect your home from storms and burglars. Note that 30% of the energy in homes is lost through leaks, which take place through the doors and windows. It is for this reason that you should consider energy efficiency when choosing windows to install in your home. To enhance the energy efficiency, most homeowners seal, weather-strip, and caulk their windows. There is yet another way to go about it: buying double glazed windows.
How are double glazed windows made?
These windows are made by separating two panes of glasses with a spacer and airtight gap. The airspace left is then filled with an inter gas, which prevents moisture from seeping through the Window glass panes or condensation from taking place. The objective of the process is to provide insulation.
Installing double-glazed soundproof windows for your home come with many benefits. For one, they provide insulation. Through this, you are able to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, without spending too much on energy bills. The energy efficiency comes along by preventing cold air from outside from seeping through the window and preventing warm air from inside the house from leaking.
Also, these windows help in noise reduction, helping you create a relaxing environment in your home.
What are sealed double glazed windows?
A sealed double-glazed window is the part of the glazing that sits inside a frame. Sealing is done to the double-glaze to keep the inert gas, which is usually argon, in most cases, inside. Note that this gas is responsible for insulation. If it is contaminated with moisture, the performance of the double-glazed window may be significantly affected.
Also, to top it up, a silicone sealant may be used where the double-glazed window meets the frame. This prevents cold air from entering around the window, and warm air from the house from leaking outside through spaces between the window and the frame.
By sealing the windows, you ensure that they are optimal in energy efficiency, and they last longer.
How energy efficient double-glazed sealed windows work?
Homeowners install sealed double glazed windows in their homes to enhance energy efficiency and cut down the cost of energy bills. To understand why it is essential to install these windows, it is vital that you get insights into how they work.
The windows are made of two panes of glass, which have a gap left between them. The gap can either be left as a vacuum, or filled with argon or other inert gases. This provides insulation as the vacuum or gases prevent the transfer of moisture from the interior and exterior of the house.
To create this barrier, the windows are hermetically sealed to keep them airtight. To increase their energy efficiency, one of the panes of the glass is coated with a metal oxide. This allows the windows to let in light and heat, but prevent it from leaking outside. Sealing prevents moisture from seeping into the gap between the two panes. If the vacuum or inter gas inside the gap is not maintained, its insulation capability is affected.
The quality of the sealant used to close the gap is vital. Sealants have different attributes, and picking the best products in the market will go a long way in ensuring that the windows are of high performance.
Can we reseal double glazed windows?
Not that with time window sealants can wear. This is usually because of contraction and expansion, which is caused by weather changes. It is, however, not easy to tell whether or not your windows require resealing.
It is for this reason that you are advised to do a visual inspection from time to time to identify if something needs to be done.
Signs that your windows need to be resealed
Here are the things that you should be looking out for when trying to identify if you should reseal your windows.
1. Fogging
Note that a double glazed window works by preventing condensation from taking place and moisture from seeping through the panes. If you notice fogging on the panes, then this is a sign that the sealant is not working, as it should. Provided the window is less than ten years old, then it is in good shape, and the only thing you should be replacing is the sealant.
2. Cracks on the windows
If there are cracks where the window meets the frame, it is likely that the seal may also have worn out. The window, in this case, might need repair and resealing be done.
Ignoring the above signs may lead to an increase in your electricity bills. The good thing about resealing is that it ensures that your home remains energy efficient, without having to replace the windows. It is a cost-effective technique.
How should resealing be done?
It is always advisable that you let a professional handle this job. However, if you have the confidence of doing a flawless job, you can use a DIY to do this. Professionals are well versed and can quickly identify problematic areas. Additionally, they know the right materials to use for the job. Note that you need to be extra careful if you are doing it yourself. This is mainly because improper sealing can cost you a lot in energy losses in the long run. To ensure that your home remains energy efficient, you should do regular inspection of your windows. Resealing should be done as soon as you notice fogging or cracks in your windows. Using quality grade sealants will also increase the life of your insulated windows. Giving your windows proper attention will save you from unnecessary energy bills.
