15 Terms Everyone Is In The Double Glazed Repair Industry Should Know
How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
You should have your double-glazed window frames regularly inspected, especially if they are expanding or shrinking. This will decrease the chance of draughts.
If local double glazing repairs see condensation between the glass panes, the seal could be failing and must be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and conserve energy.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and there are a few issues that can affect the efficiency of energy-efficient windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing can be an simple task, but you will require the right tools and experience to do it correctly. It is generally recommended to get a professional do the work, rather than attempting to do it yourself.
The most common fault that occurs with double-glazed windows is a cracked or broken pane. This can be a result of a knock or blow to the frame from outside, or from an attempt to open the window that is closed. Glass can break or crack into pieces depending on its size and the force that is used to break it.
If windows with double glazing are susceptible to cracking, it can be repaired with a type of putty or special tape. This will stop the crack from expanding or getting worse. It will block any water, wind 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 caused by a damaged window seal. It is a normal occurrence that happens due to temperature and weather changes. Before you attempt to repair your windows, make sure to check if they're covered under warranty.
It's usually covered by the company who sold you your double glazing, so it is important to contact them quickly and clearly explain the issue. It is recommended to do this in writing instead of by phone or text message Keep the copy of your correspondence.
Drilling a hole into the centre of a misted pane is a common method of fixing it yourself. The desiccant absorbs any moisture and will help solve the problem. This is a temporary solution and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as you can.
Misty Panes
If double-glazed windows begin fogging up, it can be a huge pain and can cause significant disruption to your home. However, it is fairly easy to fix the issue after you have figured out the root of the issue. Most of the time, the root of the issue is a problem with the seals between the window panes, allowing moisture to enter. This can be caused by inadequate installation, drainage issues or even faulty seals from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units consist of two glass panes, with an open spacer bar sandwiched between them (shown in the image above). The surface of the spacer bar has been perforated, and the spacer bars have been filled with desiccant to suck up any moisture. The two glass panes will then be sealed and the whole unit will be filled with gas in order to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the sealed unit fails, moisture could get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This will also lead to heating being lost from your home which could lead to an enormous amount of money being lost in energy bills.
Repairing a misted glass is a tricky job that should not be attempted by someone who isn't well-versed of the construction and glazing industries. If you're willing to tackle the challenge, then it's possible to fix a sealed unit that has been misted by putting moisture-absorbing desiccant back into the gap between the glass panes.
Bear in mind, though this is a temporary solution and the condensation will likely to return and the process might need to be repeated. It is more efficient to replace a misted unit. It is also more efficient and cleaner. Replacements will bring back the original insulation to your property, which 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, you can try keeping your windows as dry as they can by ensuring they're properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
No matter if they are brand new or old, double-glazed windows must not leak. Leaking Windows are not just a nuisance, but could also cause serious damage to your home. This includes mold growth, structural damage, and the cost of heating and cooling. If you suspect a leak you should contact a professional window repair service as quickly as possible to get the issue under control.
Window leaks can be a sign that the seals between glass panes are not working correctly. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass, it is an indication that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. Moisture is now seeping through the insulating space that is between the two panes. While some condensation is normal, if it is persistent and becomes visible on the exterior or interior of your house, it's time to get repairs done.
Water accumulating at the bottom of your window frame is a common cause of leaks. This could be a sign of clogged drainage holes or flashing that is not properly installed or an unbalanced sill. It is simple to clear a clogged drainage hole by using a coat hanger. Flashing that isn't properly installed is also simple to fix by using roofing caulk to fill the gaps in the frame. If the window sill is sloping to one side it may be due to an incorrect pitch. A professional window repair service will be able identify the cause of the issue and provide an affordable, quick solution.
While it is not unusual for old UPVC windows to break or leak however, it is more efficient and cost-effective to get a professional double-glazed repair service. They can bring your windows' appearance and functionality to the way they were when they first were released. They can also replace hinges and handles, and locks if required. A reputable window repair service will also give you some kind of guarantee for their work, which you could not receive if you tried to repair the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you should get in touch with the company through which you bought windows. In most cases the issue can be solved by a simple fix. If the issue continues to persist, you should consider replacing your windows with modern windows that are more modern in design. New double glazed Windows offer the most recent features to ensure your home is secure and warm. They include slimline uPVC frames or aluminium frames with high-tech insulation that prevents heat from escaping, as well as innovative security hardware.
Another common sign that your double glazing needs repairs is condensation between the glass panes. This is due to a failure in the seals between the two panes. Inert gas is supposed to get into the glass and replace it with moist air, ensuring that your windows are well-insulated and thermally efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals could have degraded or simply broken down and this could happen in time as a result of changing weather conditions or other elements.
A draught emanating from the double-glazed windows is also a common sign that the seals have failed, meaning that cold air is leaking into your home. This could also result in more expensive energy bills as your heating system will need to work harder to keep the temperature inside your home stable.
In some cases a draught may be fixed by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms of your double-glazed doors or windows. It is crucial to note that this is a temporary solution and you'll have to seek out the experts when the issue persists.
You can also add ventilation, such as extractors, air bricks or vents in your windows and doors to assist with the issue of condensation. It is also important to allow your double-glazed windows and doors to 'breathe' by leaving them open to the maximum extent possible. This can be accomplished by trickle vents.