How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to have your double-glazed window frames checked regularly, especially if they are expanding or shrinking. This will decrease the risk of draughts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, the seal could be failing and needs to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation, but also reduce energy costs.
Cracked or broken panes
Double glazing is not indestructible. It can experience defects that could decrease the efficiency of energy. Repairing double glazing is a easy process, however the right tools and expertise are required to carry out quality repairs. It is recommended to employ a professional do the work, instead of trying to do it yourself.
The most common issue that can affect a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. A blow or knock from the outside can trigger this, as could attempts to open a stuck-closed window. Glass can break or crack into pieces depending on its size and the force that is used to break it.
You can repair double-glazed glass that is prone to cracking with the help of special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack from spreading or getting worse. It will block any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another common problem is condensation in double-glazed windows. This is usually the result of a broken window seal. It is a natural process that is caused by different temperatures and weather conditions, which is why it is crucial to confirm that your windows are still under warranty before attempting to fix them.
Typically, this will be covered by the company you purchased the double glazing from. Therefore, it is important to contact them promptly and clearly explain the issue. It is best to do this in writing rather than by phone or text message, and always keep the copy of your correspondence.
If you're interested in trying to fix and fix a window that has become misty yourself, a typical method involves drilling a hole into the centre of the affected pane. The desiccant absorbs any moisture and will help solve the problem. However it is temporary solution, and it is recommended that you have your double-glazed windows replaced by new windows as soon as possible.
Misted Panes
When double-glazed windows start fogging up, it can be a major trouble and can cause major disruption to your home. Once you identify the cause it's easy to repair. Most often, the cause of the issue is a problem with the seals between the window panes, allowing moisture to get in. This could be due to poor installation, drainage problems or even seals that are defective from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units comprise two glass panes sandwiched with an open spacer (shown above). The face of the spacer bar is perforated. the spacer bars are filled with a desiccant which helps to absorb any moisture that comes into the unit. The two glass panes then are joined and the entire unit is injected with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if a sealed unit fails then moisture can enter between the panes, and this can create condensation and mist. This could result in heat escaping from your property, which could result in a significant amount of money lost on energy bills.
Unfortunately, fixing the misted double glazing window can be a little tricky and shouldn't be attempted by anyone who doesn't have an extensive understanding of glazing and the construction industry. If you are willing to take on the challenge, it's possible to fix the misted seal of a window by introducing a moisture-absorbing desiccant in the gap between the glass panels.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix and the condensation might return. The process will need to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace misted glass units and it's much more hygienic and faster. A replacement will restore the original insulation of your home, which is not possible with a repair. If you are experiencing misted windows or condensation, we recommend contacting a reputable company that offers double glazing. While you wait, make sure to keep your windows as dry and clean as you can.
Water Leaks
Whether they are new or old, double-glazed windows must not leak. Leaking windows aren't only a nuisance but they can cause significant damage to your home such as mold growth, structural damage and increased heating and cooling expenses. Contact a professional window service as soon as you notice a issue.
Window leaks are typically a sign of an issue with the seals between panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass, it is a sign that the seal between the two panes has become weaker. Moisture is now seeping through the insulation space between the two panes. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it persists and is visible on the interior or exterior of your home, it's time to call repairs done.
Another common cause of leaks is the accumulation of water on the bottom frame of your window. This could be a sign of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed, or an unbalanced sill. A drainage hole that is blocked is simple to fix using a coat hanger wire to clear the gunk. Using roofing caulk, it is easy to repair flashing that is not properly installed. If the window sill is sloping to one side, it could be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service will determine the root of the problem and provide an affordable, quick solution.
It is not unusual double glazing repairs near me for UPVC windows that are older to break or leak. However it is much more cost-effective and efficient to use a double glazing repair service. They can restore the look and functionality of your windows to how they were when they were brand new. They can also replace hinges, handles, and locks if required. A professional window repair company will also give you some form of guarantee for their work, which you will not get if you attempted to fix the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you should contact the company from whom you bought windows. In most instances, a simple repair can fix the problem. If the issue continues to persist then you should consider replacing your old windows with newer ones. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer the latest technology to keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium, advanced insulation to stop the heat from escape, and sophisticated security hardware that stop intruders from entering your home.
Another common sign that your double glazing needs repairs is condensation that forms between the glass panes. This is due to a failure of the seals which separate the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the two panes of glass and then be replaced by humid air. This keeps your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, then the seals could have been damaged in the course of time due to weather changes or other factors.
A draft that is coming from a double-glazed window can be a sign the seals are failing which means cold air is leaking in to your home. This can also lead to higher energy bills, as your heating will have to be more efficient to keep the temperature of your home steady.
In certain cases the draught could be fixed by lubricating hinges handles, mechanisms or handles of windows or doors that are double-glazed. It is crucial to note that this is only a temporary solution and you'll need to contact the experts in the event that the issue continues to persist.
You can also add ventilation systems, such as extractors, air bricks, or vents in your doors and windows to alleviate the issue of condensation. It is also essential to allow double-glazed windows and doors to breathe by leaving them open to the maximum extent possible, which can be accomplished by trickle vents.