Failed DG panels

[Huge]

Other than aesthetics, what reason is there for replacing blown DG panels?

[The Natural Philosopher]

Some loss of thermal properties

Depending on what they were filled with before, and are, now.

[Chris Hogg]

Over twelve months ago, I had a DG panel start to mist up between the panels. I drilled two 3mm holes through the glass _from_the_outside_ into the gap between the panes, in opposite corners of the panel. The misting cleared over a period of a week or three. The insulating properties were apparently unaffected, in as much as the one I drilled showed no loss of insulation compared to a DG panel immediately adjacent, judging by the slight condensation build-up along the lower edge of the room-side surface of the inner panel on very cold nights.

Two essentials: the holes have to be drilled from the outside, so that you get outside air into the gap, and don't do it on door panels as these are likely to be toughened glass and will shatter at the first touch of a drill.

[tabbypurr]

I doubt it. Gas filled panels lose their gas after a bit anyway, so you don't gain very much by replacing them with gassed panels.

The answer really is nothing but aesthetics.

If they're not hardened, you can demist by drilling them. There's a company somewhere out there doing this.

NT

[Harry Bloomfield]

Chris Hogg a écrit :

Is there a good reason for drilling the outside panel? Surly the air inside will be the drier of the two.

[Dave Liquorice]

Air inside will be warmer. Warm air can hold more water vapour than cold air.

[Chris Hogg]

Yes, I think DP is correct. By drilling from the outside, the air in the gap is always at or close to the same temperature and humidity as the outside air and less likely to condense. TBH I've not tried drilling from the inside, as that is what I saw recommended some twenty years ago. Drilling from the outside works, and I've not had any misting between the panes since I did it.

[Chris Hogg]

Correction

^^ Sorry Dave!

[tabbypurr]

Indoor air is outdoor to which is added water vapour from breathing, cookin g etc. It feels drier because warmer air holds more vapour, so its RH is lo wer.

NT