Double Pane Windows
While some home improvements are only aesthetic, installing insulated glass units (IGUs), commonly known as double pane windows, bolsters the heating and cooling efficiency of your home. Double pane windows work to prevent heat from entering your home during the summer, while it reduces the transmission of cold temperatures during the winter. As one of the top green home improvement options, IGUs reduce the need to consistently run air conditioning systems, which saves money as well as energy.
How Double Pane Windows Work
The insulated glass unit or double pane window includes two or more pieces of glass and a spacer for insulation. The spacer keeps the two pieces of glass separate and seals the edge between the panes. A specialize material designed to absorb moisture called a desiccant or a warm-edge glass spacer is typically placed between the glass for further insulation.
The outside of the insulated glass unit is sealed with a high-grade sealant designed to keep moisture and condensation from accumulating on the interior. Some IGUs actually include krypton or argon gas in the space, which provides an added level of insulation.
Double Pane Windows Solutions
If you have double pane windows but they have lost their luster to a milky appearance, it's more than likely due to an issue of failed seals. Failed seals are the result of the interior gas escaping or the vacuum being compromised and external air entering the interior of the panes. Once this happens, you may notice condensation or a buildup of moisture in the double pane windows, resulting in a milky white appearance to the glass. The most common reasons double pane windows' seals fail are:
- Inferior sealants
- Faulty installation
- Adverse weather conditions
- Extreme temperatures
No matter the reason, it's vital that double pane windows function properly to get the full benefit. If you notice condensation or moisture between the panes of your windows, you may need window repair. At Glass Doctor® of Amarillo, we specialize in insulated window glass replacement. Our specialists may be able to save you money by installing replacements with your existing frames, instead of replacing the entire window. Contact Glass Doctor of Amarillo to schedule a free home inspection.
