Misted Double Glazing
Double glazing can develop a misted appearance when double glazed units fail, also known as a ‘blown unit’ or ‘failed unit’.
Holes in the seal around the double glazed unit is a common cause of misted double glazing. These holes only need to be very small to draw moisture from the atmosphere and get inside between the two panes, which then causes what looks like condensation inside the unit. Once inside the unit’s cavity, changes in temperature can cause the moisture to condense. As more moisture is drawn in, with nowhere to go, units can end up holding considerable amounts of water.
Replacing misted double glazing
There are a number of repair techniques that some claim will resolve the problem of misted double glazing, most of which involve drilling into the unit. We do not recommend such approaches as doing so can result in air circulating between the panes of glass, therefore no longer operating as sealed, energy efficient windows. Additionally, those techniques seldom remove any staining that has taken place and is likely to fail again.
The best solution to misted double glazing is to replace the failed double glazed unit.
Accurate, unobtrussive measurement
Using cutting edge measuring products enables us to quickly and accurately identify the properties of any failed unit, without the inconvenience of having to remove the unit first or gain access to the property.
Glass Measurement Gauge
On arrival to a property we would use a Glass Measurement Gauge to measure the thickness of the unit, including the thickness of each pane and any air gaps. The Glass Measurement Gauge is a versatile tool, which we can use on single, double and triple glazed units, including laminated glass.
Toughened Glass Indicator
Use of a Toughened Glass Indicator allows us to quickly identify whether or not the glass in a single and multi-pane unit has been toughened. This allows us to ensure that we match the unit like-for-like, or better.
Low-E Coating Detector
Low-E is a virtually invisible low emissivity coating that helps to reflect heat back into the conservatory, making it a vital component of energy efficient windows. Our state of the art measurement kit will allow us to confirm the presence of a Low-E coating and on which surface it is present.
The causes of misted double glazing
Poor manufacture
Failure to seal a double glazed unit properly during manufacture will make it highly likely to fail within the first 12 months from installation.
Poor installation
Units should be sat on bridged glazing blocks to keep them elevated from draining water and provide water with a route to run away. The build up of trapped water could in time penetrate the unit, thus halving it’s usable life expectancy. Additionally, poorly fitted exterior seals can allow water to collect and become trapped. Even the seal on a well manufactured unit is prone to failure when immersed in water over time, particularly if the water contains washing-up liquid, solvents or oil-based products.
Poor specification
The frames of a uPVC Conservatory should be fully reinforced to ensure that the structure is rigid, even during times of high winds. Failure to reinforce could allow excessive flexing of the frame and result in the twisting or sheering of a unit that could cause it to fail.
Benefits of using Truly to solve misted double glazing
- Quick turnaround of quote
- Fully serviceable BBA approved parts
- Specialist fitting teams
- Insurance-backed guarantee
Find out more about our other Conservatory Repair, Replacement Conservatory and Conservatory Upgrade services.
