10 Things We Love About Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can develop faults over time. This could include damaged seals, condensation between the panes, and even drafts.
The positive side is that many of these are repairable without having to replace the entire frame of the window. Utilizing a reputable double glazing repair company will save you money.
Broken Panes
Double pane windows consist of two glass panes with an additional layer. The gas and double panes work together to create a strong insulator, which helps you use less energy to regulate the temperature of your home, which in turn reduces your energy bills. They also cut down on the sound of the outside and protect your carpets, furniture, wall art, and photographs from sun damage. If one of your windows is broken or cracked you'll notice your home is less livable and your energy costs could increase. The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself.
It is possible to remove a damaged pane of a double glazed window by unwinding the sash and then removing it from the frame. Before you start taking the window off, you must wear gloves and to have a large rubbish bag nearby to store the glass pieces which can shatter when handled. You'll also require a putty knife or deglazing tool to cut through any sealant on the frame as well as around the broken window pane. Once this has been done, the replacement glass unit is ready to be affixed.
It is important to keep in mind that you aren't able to reseal a double pane window without replacing both of the panes as the efficiency of the window will be compromised. It's important to note that the glass can be repaired. However, it's recommended to consult a professional who will be experienced in the process of disassembling the window and replace the glass panes.
Broken Seals
Window seals prevent outside air from getting into your home, and argon gas, which helps with insulation, from escaping. However, with time the seal's flexibility will wear down and eventually break. Keep an eye out for any indications of a broken sealing and call the professionals in the event that you spot any.
The most obvious sign that seals on your windows are failing is the appearance of fog between your double- or triple-pane windows. This is due to an issue with the edge seal that holds each individual pane of glass within the IGU (insulated glazing unit).
When humid air enters your windows, it causes condensation and the fog can be seen. While this may be a minor issue but it could mean that your IGU does not provide its full insulation value. In addition any inert gasses that were contained within the window are now flowing out. This also reduces the window's capacity to save energy.
A window technician with experience will examine your IGU and repair edges that have been damaged. This is a fast and inexpensive solution, but it only works temporarily. If you wish to stop the fog from returning then you'll need to have your window resealed frequently.
There are many other ways to improve the insulating properties of your window. Adding caulk or weather stripping around the frame of your window will help block out drafts and hot or cold outdoor air. Painting your windows a light hue can also help reflect the sun's rays and keep your house cooler.
If your windows are older than 20 years old and do not show any indications of abrasion or cracking, it's recommended to replace them. This will improve the insulation of your home. Modern windows are better at keeping heat or cool air in and out. This means you'll save money by not utilizing your heating or cooling system as much. A professional window contractor can recommend the best replacement windows for your home.
upvc window repairs near me Between the Panes
Modern double-glazed windows are prone to condensation on the glass. Double-glazed windows that fail to seal properly and have a warmer interior temperature than the outside air can lead to condensation. This could cause the moisture between the glass panes to collect, giving them an appearance of a milky or fogging. This can be very annoying and there are quick fixes. However, the best solution is to employ an expert to make holes in the outer glass and clean the windows inside and install one-way air vents.
A majority of homeowners will see condensation on the inside of their double-glazed windows at times, especially after renovations like plastering or painting where there is a high humidity level and the window can easily become damp. However, it is less common to see condensation on the windows and if it does it's usually an indication of something wrong with the insulated window unit.
A broken seal could be the cause of the problem However, it's also a sign that your spacer bar between the two panes might not be functioning properly. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant. This material is highly absorbent, and it draws any moisture out of the "air gap" between the window panes. This could become saturated if the window seal is imperfect. When it is filled of desiccant and condensation begins to form on the inside.
If moisture is allowed to remain on surfaces like windows can cause rot and mould growth, which are not only ugly but also harmful to your health. If you let condensation remain on your windows, it could eventually cause leaks or loose windows.
There are a variety of easy ways to deal with condensation in double-glazed windows. Open the windows for a few minutes each day to let air flow in can help to lower the humidity and stop condensation, as will the use of a dehumidifier. These electrical appliances can be purchased at affordable prices and are typically used in kitchens and bathrooms to get rid of excess moisture.
Draughts
Draughts are one of the most frequent signs that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. Draughts can be a nuisance especially in winter. They can also cause your home to lose more heat than it needs to. You can check whether your uPVC windows have effective seals by looking for a gap within the frame or feeling for an air draught.
If you feel that there is a draft coming from your window, the seals made of rubber could have failed. The seals are designed to compress when a window is closed, and stop cold air from getting into your home. If they're not doing this, then it is time to repair them.
Another reason for draughts could be that the door or window handles could be damaged. The handles aren't closing properly, causing gaps where draughts enter. If this is the case, then it's an ideal idea to contact a company that specialises in repairs to double-glazed windows as they will be capable of fixing these parts for you.
Over time, a double-glazed window can drop slightly and this makes it more difficult to open and close them. The frame can expand or shrink due to fluctuations in temperature. Try wiping the frames with cold water to see if this helps but in most instances, it's best to get them repaired by an expert.
Misting can also be an indication that the insulating properties of double glazing aren't as effective as they could be. It happens when the seals between the glass units start to crack, allowing water to enter the window and create condensation. If you're experiencing this, it's recommended to contact a professional who will replace the sealed unit and repair the misting.
Here are a few of the most frequent ways that double-glazed windows require repairs. It is essential to fix these issues as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to reduce the cost of heating. If your double glazing is still covered by warranty, then it's worth contacting the company who installed them to find out whether they can assist.