How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is a good idea to inspect your double-glazed windows regularly, especially if find that the frames are expanding or contracting. This will decrease the chance of drafts.
If you see condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and must be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only reduce condensation, but also reduce energy costs.
Cracked or broken Panes
Double glazing is not indestructible and it is possible for faults to occur that can affect the energy efficiency of the windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing is an easy process however, you'll require the right tools and expertise to complete it properly. It is usually best to hire a professional to complete the task, rather than attempting to do it yourself.
A cracked or broken pane is the most frequent issue with double-glazed windows. A blow or knock from outside can cause this, as can attempts to open a stuck-closed window. The glass may break or crack into smaller pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
Repairing double-glazed glass windows susceptible to cracking by using special tape or putty. This will stop the crack from expanding or getting worse. It will block any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is condensation in double-glazed windows. It is usually the result of a broken window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that is caused by different temperatures and weather conditions, so it is essential to ensure that your windows are in warranty before you attempt to repair them.
It's usually covered by the company that sold you your double glazing, so it's important to contact them immediately and clearly explain the issue. It is best to address this in writing rather than by phone or text message and keep a copy of your correspondence.
Making a hole in the centre of a misted pane is a common method of fixing it yourself. The desiccant will absorb moisture and will help solve the problem. This is a temporary fix and it is recommended you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as you can.
Misty Panes
When double-glazed windows start getting misty, it can be a real issue and cause a significant disruptions to your home. Once you identify the cause it's easy to fix. In the majority of cases the problem is due to a problem in the seals which separate your window panes. This allows moisture get into. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer could cause this problem.
Standard sealed units comprise two glass panes, sandwiched by a hollow spacer (shown above). The surface of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars have been filled with desiccant to suck up any moisture. The two glass panes are then sealed and the whole unit is filled with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the sealed unit is damaged, moisture may get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This can also cause heat to escape from your property, which can result in a substantial amount of money lost on energy bills.
Unfortunately, fixing a misted double glazing window isn't easy and shouldn't be attempted by anyone without extensive knowledge of the construction industry. If you're prepared to take on the challenge, it's possible to repair the misted seal by adding a moisture absorbing desiccant back into the gap between the glass panes.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and the condensation could occur again. The process will need to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace the misted glass and it will also be more efficient and cleaner. A replacement will also bring back the original insulation of your property that isn't accessible through repair. If you're experiencing misty windows and condensation, we recommend contacting an experienced company that can provide double glazing. In the meantime, try making sure your windows are as dry as possible by ensuring that they are well ventilated and cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows shouldn't leak, regardless of whether they're old or new. Leaking Windows are not just an inconvenience, but they can cause serious damage to your home. This can include the growth of mold as well as structural damage and increased heating and cooling bills. Contact a professional window company as soon as you notice a issue.
Window leaks can be a sign that the seals between glass panes are not functioning properly. If you notice condensation between the glass panes it's a sign that the seal between the two panes has become weaker. The moisture is now leaking through the insulation space between the two panes. While a little condensation is normal, if it persists and becomes visible on the outside or inside of your home, it's time to have a repair service in.
Water collecting at the bottom of your window frame is another common cause of leaks. This can be a sign of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that is not properly installed or a sloped sill. A drainage hole that is blocked is easy to fix by using a coat hanger wire to clean out the gunk. Improper flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill the gaps in the frame. A wrong pitch could be the cause of the window sill sloping to one side. A professional window repair service can to determine the source of the issue and offer an affordable, fast solution.
Although it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to fail or leak, it is much more efficient and cost-effective to hire an expert double-glazed repair service. They can bring back the appearance and function of your windows to what they were like when they were brand new. They can replace hinges, locks and handles if needed. Professional window repair companies will give you a guarantee for their work. You would not get this if you were to fix the windows yourself.
It is difficult to open
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you must contact the company through which you bought windows. In the majority of cases, the problem can be solved by a simple fix. If the problem persists it is possible to think about replacing your windows with more modern. Double-glazed windows are available with state-of-the-art features that will keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC or aluminium frames with advanced insulation that stops the heat from escape, and sophisticated security hardware that stop intruders from entering your home.
Another sign that your double glazing requires repairs is condensation between the panes of glass. This is due to an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are supposed to escape between the panes of glass and be replaced by moist air. This keeps your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this isn't happening, the seals may have deteriorated or even broken in some way, which may happen in time as a result of changing weather conditions or other elements.
A draught coming from your double-glazed window another sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaking into your home. This could also lead to more local double glazing repair energy costs as your heating system has to work harder to maintain the temperature in your home.
In certain cases a draught may be fixed by lubricating hinges handles, mechanisms or handles of windows or doors with double glazing. It is important to note that this is only a temporary solution and you'll be required to consult with a professional when the issue persists.
You can also put in ventilation systems, such as air bricks, extractors or vents in your doors and windows, to help with the issue of condensation. It is also important to allow your double-glazed doors and windows to breathe by leaving them open as much as possible. This can be accomplished by trickle vents.