"The Double Glazed Window Repairs Awards: The Most, Worst, And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen
Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can develop problems as time passes. This could include damaged seals, condensation between the panes or even drafts.
The positive side is that many of these are repairable without the need to replace the entire window frame. A double glazing repair business that is established can save you money.
Broken Panes
Double pane windows comprise two glass panes with an air layer between them. The gas and double panes work together to create a strong insulation, which allows you to use less energy to regulate the temperature in your home, thus lowering your power bills. They also reduce the sound of the outside and protect carpets, furniture as well as wall art and photos from sun damage. If one of the windows becomes cracked or broken, your house will not be as cozy and your energy bills could increase. You can fix this yourself.
Remove a broken window pane from a double-glazed window by removing the sash. Before you start the process, you should wear gloves and have an ample garbage bag on hand to store the glass pieces which can shatter when handled. Also, you'll need a deglazing or putty knife to cut through any sealant that is on the frame and around the damaged window pane. After this is completed, the replacement glass unit can be attached.
It's important to note that you aren't able to seal a double pane window without replacing both of the panes, as the energy efficiency of the window will be reduced. But, it's important to note that the glass itself can be fixed and it is recommended to get in touch with an expert as they are familiar with the process of removing the window and reinstalling the panes of glass.
Broken Seals
Window seals help keep outside air from entering your home and argon gas, which helps with insulation from escaping. Over time the seal could become brittle or even break. It's crucial to keep an eye for signs of a damaged seal and call in experts to ensure that your energy efficiency is at its peak.
Fog in double- and triple-paned windows is the most obvious indicator of a damaged window seal. This is due to a defect in the seals on the edges that secure each pane of glass inside the IGU (insulated-glazing unit).
As humid air enters between your windows, it causes condensation and creates the fog that you are able to see or wipe away. Although this could be a minor issue but it could mean that your IGU isn't able to provide its full insulation value. Additionally any inert gasses that were contained within the window are now leaked out. This can further diminish your window's ability to save energy.
A professional window technician can inspect your IGU for damages and reseal the edges. This is a fast and affordable solution, however it only works temporarily. You will need to reseal your window regularly if you are trying to prevent fog from returning.
There are numerous other options to increase the insulation properties of your window. Add caulk around the window frame to block drafts and cold or hot air from the outside. Paint your windows with a light colour can also help reflect the heat of the sun and keep your house cooler.
In the end, if your windows are more than 15 years old and don't show any signs of damage or breakage replacement is the best option for improving your home's insulation. Modern windows are more efficient at keeping warm or cool air in and out and you'll save on your energy bills, not having to depend on your heating or cooling system as much. A professional window specialist will recommend the most suitable replacement windows for your home.
Condensation between the Panes
Condensation on the window pane is a frequent issue that can affect modern double-glazed windows. It is usually caused by double glazing windows that fails to provide a tight seal and the interior air temperature is higher than the outside air. This can cause moisture to build up between the glass panes, giving them a milky appearance or fogging. This can be very irritating and there are a few quick fixes. However, the most effective solution is to engage a professional who will drill holes in the glass's outer layer, clean the windows inside and then install one way air vents.
The majority of homeowners will experience condensation on the inside of their double-glazed windows from time to time, especially after renovations such as painting or plastering, where there is a significant humidity and the surface is susceptible to becoming damp. It is rare to see condensation on windows. This is usually an indication of problems with the insulation unit.
A broken seal can cause the issue It's also a sign that your spacer bar between the two panes may not be functioning correctly. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant. It is extremely absorbent, and it draws any moisture out of the "air gap" between the windows. However, this could be saturated if there is even the slightest imperfection in the window seal. And once it's full the condensation will begin to form on the inside of the windows.
Moisture left on surfaces like windows can cause mould and rot, which is not only unsightly but also dangerous to your health. If condensation remains on your windows for an extended period of time, it could eventually cause leaks and windows that are loose.
The good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to eliminate the condensation that forms between your double glazed windows. Dehumidifiers and opening windows for a few moments every day will help lower humidity and help prevent condensation. These appliances are available for purchase at affordable prices and are commonly employed in bathrooms and kitchens to get rid of excess moisture.
Draughts
Draughts could be a sign that your double-glazing system isn't functioning properly. Draughts can be a nuisance particularly in winter. upvc window repair can also cause your home to lose more heat than it actually does. You can test whether your uPVC windows are sealed effectively by looking for a gap in the frame or by feeling for the presence of a draft.
If you feel that there is a draft coming from your window then the rubber seals may have failed. The seals are designed to expand when a window is shut and block cold air from getting into your home. If they don't do this, it's time to have them repaired.
Another reason for draughts is that the door or window handles could be damaged. They aren't closing properly and this creates gaps where draughts come in. If this is the case, it's a good idea to contact an expert company that specializes in repairs to double-glazed windows as they will be capable of fixing these parts for you.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close after a certain period of time. The frame can expand or shrink due to temperature fluctuations. You can try wiping the frames with cold, but it is best to get them repaired by a professional.
It is also a sign of a double-glazing system that's not performing as well as it should. This happens because the seals between the glass units start to fail and allow moisture to enter the window and create condensation. It is best to call a professional who can replace the glass unit sealed with seals and fix misting.
Here are some of the most common ways that double-glazed windows require repair. It's important that you fix these problems as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to lower the cost of heating. If your double-glazing is still covered by warranty, it's worth getting in contact with the company that installed them to determine if they can assist.