15 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Double Glazed Repair
How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to make sure that your double-glazed window frames inspected regularly, particularly in the event that they are shrinking or expanding. This can reduce the chance of draughts.
If you notice condensation between the panes, it is a sign that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and conserve energy.
Cracked or broken panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and faults can occur which can reduce the efficiency of energy-efficient windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a relatively straightforward process, but the proper tools and knowledge are required to carry out top-quality repairs. It is normally best to work with a professional firm to complete the task rather than attempting it yourself.
The most common issue that affects a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. This could be a result of a blow or knock to the frame from the outside or an attempt to open a window that is stuck closed. The glass might crack or break into small pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
If windows with double glazing are susceptible to cracking, it can be repaired by using a type of putty or a special tape. This will prevent the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will block any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another issue that is common is condensation in double-glazed windows. It is usually the result of a broken window seal. It is a natural process that is caused by different temperatures and weather conditions, so it is important to check that your windows are still in warranty before you attempt to repair them.
It's usually covered by the company that sold you your double glazing, so it is important to contact them promptly and clearly explain the issue. This is best written down, rather than by phone or text. Always keep the original.
If you're looking to try and fix a window that has become misty yourself, a typical method involves drilling a hole into the centre of the affected pane. A special desiccant is put in to absorb any moisture and this can help the condensation problem to resolve itself. This is only a temporary fix and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as is possible.
Misted Panes
When double-glazed windows start misting up it can be a real trouble and can cause major disruptions to your home. It is, however, fairly easy to fix the issue once you understand the root of the issue. In most cases the cause of the issue is a problem with the seals between the window panes, allowing moisture to enter. Poor installation or drainage issues or faulty seals by the window manufacturer could cause this issue.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes that are sandwiched by a hollow spacer (shown above). The inner face of this bar is perforated, and the bars are filled with a desiccant, that is used to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes will then be sealed together and the whole unit will be filled with gas in order to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the seal is damaged, moisture may get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This could also cause heat to escape your home, which could result in a substantial amount of money being lost due to energy bills.
However, fixing double glazing windows that have been misted can be a little tricky and isn't something that should be attempted by anyone without the necessary knowledge of the construction industry. If local double glazing repairs to take on the challenge, it is possible to fix a sealed window that has been misted by adding moisture-absorbing desiccant to the space between the glass panels.
Be aware, however, that this is only temporary solution, and the condensation will likely return and the process could need to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace the misty unit. It's also quicker and more clean. A replacement will restore the original insulation to your property it is not possible through a repair. If you're experiencing misty windows or condensation, we recommend contacting a reputable company that offers double glazing. In the meantime, consider to keep your windows as dry as possible by ensuring they're properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows shouldn't leak, regardless of whether they're new or old. Leaking windows aren't 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 the cost of heating and cooling. Contact a professional window company as soon as you suspect a problem.
Window leaks are typically an indication of a problem with the seals between panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the glass panes it's an indication that the seal between the two panes has become weaker. The moisture is now leaking through the insulating space between the two panes. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it continues to grow and becomes visible on the interior or exterior of your home, it's time to call repairs done.
Another cause of leaks is water collecting on the bottom frame of your window. This could be a sign of drain holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed or a sloped sill. It is simple to clear a blocked drainage hole by using a coat hanger. Improper flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill in the gaps around the frame. If the window sill slopes to one side, it could be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service will be able to identify the reason and provide an efficient, quick and cost-effective solution.
While it is not unusual for old UPVC windows to leak or break, it is much more cost-effective and efficient to seek out an expert double-glazed repair service. They can bring your windows' appearance and function to what they were when they first were introduced. They can also replace hinges, locks and handles if needed. Professional window repair companies will offer you a guarantee on their work. You would not get this if you tried to fix windows yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are becoming difficult to open, you must get in touch with the company through which you purchased them. In the majority of cases, the problem is fixable by an easy fix. If the problem continues and you are unable to resolve it, you should consider replacing your windows with modern windows that are more modern in design. New double glazed windows offer modern features that keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium and advanced insulation to prevent the heat from escape, and innovative security equipment to stop intruders from entering your home.
Condensation in the glass panes is another indication that double glazing requires repair. This is caused by an issue with the seals which separate the two panes. Inert gasses are supposed to escape between the panes of glass and be replaced by humid air. This will keep your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, then the seals could have deteriorated over time due to changes in weather or other elements.
A draft coming from your double-glazed window is also a common sign that the seals have failed, indicating that cold air is leaked into your home. This could also result in more expensive energy bills as your heating system will need to be more efficient to keep the temperature of your home steady.
In some cases the draught could be fixed by lubricating hinges handles, mechanisms or handles of your double-glazed doors or windows. However, it is important to remember that this is only a temporary fix and if the problem persists, you'll have to seek out the experts.
To reduce condensation, you can put in ventilation in your doors and windows, such as extractors or air bricks. It is also important to let your double-glazed doors as well as windows to 'breathe,' which is possible with trickle vents.