Why People Don't Care About Double Glazed Window Repair
Double Glazed Window Repair
The majority of double-glazed windows come with a guarantee, and it's worth checking what this covers. It generally covers any problems with the window hardware such as hinges and locking mechanisms - within the first 10 years.
A crack in the seal can be the cause of mist between your glass windows. This needs to be addressed immediately to prevent damp or mould growing in your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If condensation develops between the windows in your home, it's an indicator that the seal holding the insulating gas between the panes has failed. This is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with immediately particularly in winter, when humidity is at its highest. It could also cause damage to sills, sealant and mould.
Ideally double-glazed windows shouldn't have condensation between the panes. This issue could be caused by high humidity or a very cold snap. This problem is usually resolvable without the need to replace an entire window. A professional can drill tiny holes in the window and spray a special cleaning solution inside. The water is then removed from the window, and an anti-fogger device may be added to prevent any further buildup of moisture in the future.
Condensation can also happen between windows due to air leakage, or other factors outside the window. If this is the situation, it is likely to take longer for the moisture to accumulate inside the window, since the air must be warm enough for the water molecules to vaporise. In these cases, it may be better to replace the double glazed windows rather than repair the seals on the existing units.
A double-glazed window is made from three or two pieces of insulated glass, held together by a frame made of metal. The gap between the two of the window is filled with a non-toxic gas for insulation like argon or Krypton and then sealed. The seal is responsible for stopping the insulating gas from escaping, and it also stops moisture and air from entering through the gap.
As the windows age, the seals get worse and allow moisture to enter the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to recognise when the seals are leaking and this means that the double glazing isn't functioning as efficiently as it used to. This can lead to a decrease in efficiency in energy use, higher heating costs, damage to the property and the possibility of condensation forming between windows.
Mist
If you see condensation on the outside of your windows, it is totally normal - it indicates that your double glazing is functioning properly and retaining the heat inside your home. The condensation occurs because the air outside is warmer than the glass, and reaches the dew point of the window earlier than the air inside. This is one of the major benefits of having good quality double glazing.
If you see condensation on the inside of your window, this could indicate a ventilation issue within your home. This is because the extra moisture has no place to go and ends up on your window or in carpets, furniture, and in other areas around your home. It is recommended to have this checked by an expert and making sure that there is plenty of fresh air flowing through your home will help avoid it from happening in the future.
Another reason for mist on double-glazed windows is because the seal between two glass panes has been broken. This could be due wear and wear or chemical cleaning solutions being used. If this happens, the best option is to have the windows repaired as soon as possible.
A professional repair of your windows will ensure they remain fog-free, free of condensation and free of misting. It is also a lot less expensive than replacing them all the way through and will reduce your energy bills.
A FENSA-registered window installer can provide you with a price to repair or replace your double glazed windows. If your windows are old and have been in use for a while you might want to consider upgrading them to new A-rated energy efficient ones.
It is a good idea to retain copies of any warranties and agreements with the window installers. It can be helpful in the event that you experience any problems with your windows. Contact your window fitters and work out the problem. This is a better option than ignoring the problem which could cause further problems in your home.
Close or open without difficulty
It's not only annoying when double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close. They can also lead to higher energy bills because of the loss of heat and draughts. It can also be a security issue especially when the locks aren't operating correctly. You should fix any double-glazed windows and doors as soon as possible.
If you can't open your windows and have tried the simplest of fixes like using a screwdriver in order to break it open or tapping around the frame with a hard object, then the problem could be more serious. The window could have moved and needs to be reset or there could be a gap in between glass and frames. In either case you should contact a double glazing repair specialist to ensure the repairs are completed correctly and to avoid any further issues.
It's not common for UPVC window handle and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or get stuck, especially if they are old and worn. This is due to the accumulation of dirt or grease within the handle and can often be resolved by cleaning it with a uPVC cleaner. If this does not work, you could try tapping the uPVC with the screwdriver. Be careful not to damage either the handle or window handle mechanism.
If this doesn't resolve the issue, then the window may need to be replaced, as it is likely that the hinges aren't longer in the correct position or the locking mechanisms are damaged. In this situation, seek out a professional UPVC window repair expert.
David The Window Wizard is a specialist in double-glazed window and door repairs, including repairing double-glazed windows that have jammed or been locked shut. He has vast experience changing old window mechanisms to modern ones. He can often save you the expense of replacing the whole window. Contact us today for more details or a free quote.
Warping
Double glazed windows are often an excellent option to save energy in the home. They are made up of two distinct panes, with a spacer air or dense gas between the panes. This creates a seal to keep cold air out and warm air in. However with time, these windows can become damaged or broken and require repair. Most repairs can be made without the need to replace the entire window.
One of the most common issues double-glazed windows face is warping. The windows begin to bend, bow or twist, which could affect the structural integrity of the window and its insulating capabilities. Double glazed windows should be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this issue.
Contact a professional as soon as you realize that your double-glazed windows are warping. This will help stop the problem from becoming worse. They will be able to inspect your windows to pinpoint the cause. They will use special tools to correct your problem and ensure that you windows are sealed properly.
A common cause for this issue is the presence of water vapour between the windows, which can get accumulated over time. This could be due to many factors, such as the weather conditions as well as humidity levels and temperature variations. To fix this problem, the specialist will drill out a small hole to let the moisture out. Then, modern window repairs will use an agent for cleaning to wash the glass and apply sealant to help keep it dry in the future.
If your windows aren't able to be opened or shut, it could be due to a malfunctioning mechanism or hinges. It is worth trying to lubricate these parts of the window before calling in a professional, as this can often solve the issue and lessen the need for replacements. If your windows are dated or don't offer the insulation you want it might be better to replace them.