How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
You should have your double-glazed window frames inspected regularly, particularly when they are shrinking or expanding. This can reduce the possibility of draughts.
If you notice condensation in between the panes, it is a sign that the seal is failing and has to be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and save energy.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing is not indestructible. It can develop faults that can reduce the efficiency of energy. Repairing double glazing is a straightforward process, but the proper tools and skills are needed to carry out top-quality repairs. It is normally best to hire a professional company to perform the work rather than trying it yourself.
The most frequent 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 outside, or from 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.
You can repair double-glazed glass that is susceptible to cracking by using special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will stop any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Condensation of double glazing is another frequent issue and is usually the result of a break of the window seal. It is a natural occurrence that can occur due to varying temperatures and weather conditions, therefore it is crucial to confirm that your windows are still under warranty before attempting to repair them.
It's usually covered by the company who provided you with the double glazing, so it is important to contact them quickly and explain the problem clearly. This should be written down instead of by phone or text. Always keep the original.
If you're interested in trying to fix and repair a misted window yourself, a common procedure is to drill through the middle of the damaged pane. A special desiccant is put in to absorb moisture and this will help the condensation issue to heal itself. This is only a temporary fix and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as you can.
Misty Panes
When double glazed windows start fogging up, it can be a huge issue and cause a significant disruption in your home. Fortunately, it can be fairly easy to fix the issue once you understand the root of the issue. In most cases the problem is caused by a flaw in the seals that protect your window panes. This allows moisture to enter. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer could cause this problem.
Standard sealed units comprise two glass panes, sandwiched by an open spacer (shown above). The inside of this bar is perforated, and the bars that are used as spacers are filled with a desiccant, which helps to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes are sealed together and the whole unit is filled with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the sealed unit is damaged, moisture may be trapped between the panes, causing condensation and mist. This could also cause heat to escape from your home, which could result in a significant amount of money lost on energy bills.
However, fixing double glazing windows that have been misted can be a bit difficult and isn't something that should be attempted by anyone without an extensive understanding of the glazing industry and construction industry. If you are willing to take on the challenge, it is possible to repair the misted seal of a window by putting in moisture-absorbing desiccant into the gap between the glass panels.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and the condensation could be back. The process will need to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace a misted glass unit and it will also be much more hygienic and faster. A replacement will restore the original insulation of your property and is not achievable with a repair. If you're experiencing misty windows and condensation, we suggest contacting an experienced company that can provide double glazing. In the meantime, try making sure your windows are as dry as possible by ensuring they're properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
Whether they are new or old, double-glazed windows should not leak. Leaking windows are not only an inconvenience, but they could cause serious damage to your home including the development of mold and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling costs. If you suspect a leak call a reputable window repair service as soon as possible to get the problem under control.
Window leaks can be a sign that the seals between glass panes are not functioning correctly. If you see condensation between the panes, it is a sure indication that the seal on your window has been damaged and that moisture is seeping into the insulating gap between the glass. A little condensation is perfectly normal. However when repairing double glazed windows persists and appears on your home's interior or exterior then it's time to call an expert repair service.
Water accumulating at the bottom of your window frame is another common cause of leaks. This can be a sign of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that is not properly installed or a sloped sill. A drainage hole that is clogged can be easily fixed by using a coat hanger made of wire to clear the gunk. Incorrect flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill in the gaps around the frame. If the window sill is sloping to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service will determine the root of the issue and provide an affordable, quick solution.
While it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to break or leak however, it is more cost-effective and efficient to seek out an expert double-glazed repair service. They can bring back the appearance and function of your windows to what they were like when they were new. They can even replace hinges, handles and locks, if needed. A reputable window repair service will also provide you with a kind of guarantee for their work, which you could not get if you attempted to repair the window yourself.
Difficulty to Open
If you notice that your windows are getting harder to open, contact the company where you purchased the windows. In the majority of cases, the problem can be solved with a simple fix. If the issue persists it is possible to think about replacing your windows with more modern ones. 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 that have advanced insulation that prevents heat from escape and cutting-edge security hardware.
Another sign that your double glazing is in need of repairs is condensation between the panes of glass. This is caused by a failure in the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are supposed to escape between the panes of glass and be replaced by moist air. This will keep your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this isn't happening the seals might have become damaged or even broken in some way, which may happen in the course of time because of weather changes or other factors.
A draft coming from the double-glazed windows is also a common sign that the seals have failed, meaning that cold air is leaked into your home. This could also lead to higher energy costs since your heating system will have to work more to maintain the temperature of your home.
In certain cases the draught could be fixed by lubricating hinges, handles or mechanisms of windows or doors with double glazing. It is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution, and you'll have to seek out the experts when the issue persists.
You can also add ventilation devices, like air bricks, extractors or vents in your windows and doors to alleviate condensation issues. It is also important to allow double-glazed windows and doors to breathe by keeping them open as much as possible. This can be accomplished by trickle vents.