How To Explain Double Glazed Repair To Your Mom
How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea to inspect your double-glazed windows regularly, especially if you notice the frames are contracting or expanding. This can reduce the chance of draughts.
If you notice condensation in between the panes, this indicates that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation, but also save on energy bills.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing isn't indestructible and faults can occur which can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a relatively easy process, however the right tools and knowledge are required to carry out high-quality repairs. It is normally best to use a professional firm to perform the work rather than attempting it yourself.
The most common fault that occurs with double-glazed windows is a cracked or broken pane. A blow or knock from the outside can trigger this, as could attempts to open a window that is closed. Glass can crack or break into pieces depending on its size and the force used to crack it.
You can repair double-glazed glass that is susceptible to cracking by using special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack from extending or becoming worse and it will block any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Condensation in double-glazed windows is a different issue that is common and is often the result of a breakdown of the window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, which is why it is important to check whether your windows are under warranty before attempting to fix them.
Typically, this issue will be covered by the company you bought the double glazing from. Therefore, it is essential to contact them quickly and clearly explain the issue. This is best written down instead of by text or phone. Always keep an original copy.
If you want to try and repair a misted window yourself, a typical method is to drill an opening in the centre of the affected pane. The desiccant absorbs any moisture and aid in resolving the problem. However it is a temporary solution and it is recommended that you have your double-glazed windows replaced by new units whenever possible.
Misty Panes
Double-glazed windows that fog up can be a real troublesome issue that can cause major disruptions to your home. It is, however, fairly simple to fix the issue once you know what's causing it. Most of the time, the root of the problem is a failure of the seals between your window panes, which allows moisture to get in. Poor installation or drainage issues or faulty seals by the window manufacturer can cause this issue.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes, with a hollow spacer bar sandwiched between them (shown in the image above). The inner face of this spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars are filled with a desiccant that is used to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes then be bonded together and the whole unit will be filled with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if a sealed unit fails, moisture can enter between the panes and this can create condensation and mist. This could result in heat escaping from your home, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost on energy bills.
Repairing a window that has been misted is a tricky job that should not be attempted by anyone who doesn't have extensive knowledge in the construction and glazing industries. If you are willing to tackle the challenge, it's possible to fix the misted seal of a window by putting in moisture-absorbing desiccant into the space between the glass panels.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix and the condensation may occur again. The process will have to be repeated. It's far more effective to replace the misted glass and will be much more hygienic and faster. A replacement will also help restore the original insulation of your home that isn't accessible in repair. We recommend getting in touch with a reputable double glazing firm if you're experiencing condensation and misty windows. In the meantime, try keeping your windows as dry as they can by ensuring they're properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
Whether they are new or old, double-glazed windows must not leak. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience but can cause serious damage to your home, including mold development and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window service as soon as you suspect that there is a issue.
Window leaks are typically an indication of a problem with the seals that connect the panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the panes it's a sure sign that the seal on your window has become damaged and water is leaking into the insulation gap between the glass. 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 a repair service in.
Another common cause of leaks is that water collects on the bottom frame of your window. This could be a sign of clogged drainage holes or flashing that is not properly installed or an unbalanced sill. It is easy to clear a clogged drain hole using a coat hanger. Flashing that isn't properly installed is also simple to fix by using roofing caulk to fill in the gaps around the frame. A wrong pitch could be the reason of an inclined window sill to one side. A professional window repair service will to determine the source of the problem and provide an affordable, fast solution.
It is not unusual for UPVC windows that are older to leak or break. However repairs to double glazing windows is more economical and efficient to use a double glazing repair service. They can bring back the appearance and functionality of your windows to how they were when they were new. They can even replace hinges, handles and locks if necessary. A professional window repair service will also offer a type of warranty for their work, which you would not receive if you tried to fix the window yourself.
Difficulty of Opening
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you should contact the company from whom you bought them. In the majority of cases, a simple repair can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, you may want to think about replacing your windows with newer ones. Double-glazed windows are available with the latest technology to keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC or aluminium frames with advanced insulation that stops heat from escaping, and innovative security equipment to deter intruders.
Condensation between glass panes is another indication that double glazing requires repair. This is due to an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are supposed to escape between the two panes of glass and replaced by moist air. This keeps your windows in a breathable state and be energy efficient. If this isn't happening the seals might have become damaged or even broken in some way, which can occur in time as a result of weather changes or other causes.
A draft from a double-glazed window can be a sign the seals are failing, which means that cold air is leaking in to your home. This could lead to more expensive energy bills as your heating system will need to work harder 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 with double glazing. But, it is important to remember that this is a temporary fix and if the problem persists, you'll need to call in the experts.
You can also add ventilation systems, such as extractors, air bricks or vents in your doors and windows to assist with 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 feasible, which is possible with trickle vents.