How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to ensure that your double-glazed window frames are inspected regularly, particularly if they are shrinking or expanding. This will decrease the risk of draughts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is possible that the seal be failing and must be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only reduce condensation but will also help to reduce the cost of energy.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing is not indestructible. It is susceptible to developing defects that could decrease the efficiency of energy. Repairing double glazing is a relatively straightforward process, but the proper tools and skills are needed to carry out high-quality repairs. It is recommended to hire a professional to do the work, rather than attempting to do it yourself.
A broken or cracked window is the most common problem with double-glazed windows. A blow or knock from outside can cause this, as can attempts to open a window that is closed. The glass could break or crack into smaller pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force applied to it.
If a double-glazed window is prone to cracking it can be repaired with a form of putty or a special tape. This will prevent the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will block any wind, water or other elements from entering the home through the cracks.
Condensation in double-glazed windows is another frequent issue and is usually caused by a failure of the window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, so it is crucial to confirm that your windows are still under warranty prior to attempting to fix them.
It's usually covered by the company that provided you with the double glazing, therefore it's essential to contact them promptly and explain the problem clearly. This is best written down, rather than by text or phone. Always keep the original.
If you're looking to try and fix a damaged or misted window yourself, a typical method is to drill a hole into the centre of the affected pane. A special desiccant is then put in to absorb any moisture, which can aid in helping the condensation issue to get rid of itself. This is a temporary fix and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as you can.
Misty Panes
Double-glazed windows that mist up can be a huge troublesome issue that can cause major disruptions to your home. Fortunately, it can be fairly simple to fix the issue after you have figured out the root of the issue. In the majority of cases the issue is caused by a failure in the seals that protect your window panes. This allows moisture be able to get. This could be due to poor installation, drainage issues or even faulty seals from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units consist two glass panes, sandwiched by a hollow spacer (shown above). The inner face of this bar is perforated, and the spacer bars are filled with a desiccant which is there to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes are then sealed and the whole unit is injected with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if a sealed unit fails, then moisture can enter between the panes, and this can create condensation and mist. This could also result in heat escaping your property which could lead to an enormous amount of money being lost in energy costs.
Repairing a window that has been misted is a challenging task that shouldn't be attempted by someone who doesn't have extensive knowledge in the glazing and construction industries. However, if you're willing to take on the challenge, then it's possible to repair a sealed unit that has been misted by adding moisture absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panes.
Remember that this is a temporary fix, and the condensation might occur again. The process will need to be repeated. It's more efficient to replace a misted glass unit and it's much more hygienic and faster. A replacement will bring back the original insulation to your home, which is not possible by repairing. If you're experiencing misty windows and condensation, we suggest contacting a reputable company that offers double glazing. While you wait, make sure to keep your windows as clean and dry as you can.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows should not leak, whether they are new or old. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience but can cause significant damage to your home including the development of mold, structural damage and increased heating and cooling expenses. If you suspect that your windows are leaking call a reputable window repair service as soon as you can in order to bring the issue under control.
Window leaks are an indication that the seals between glass panes aren't functioning correctly. If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is an indication that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. The moisture is now leaking through the insulating space that is between the two panes. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it is persistent and is visible on the outside or inside of your house, it's time to get repairs done.
Another common cause of leaks is water collecting at the bottom of the frame of your window. This can be a sign of clogged drainage holes or flashing that isn't properly installed, or a sloped sill. It is easy to clean out a clogged drainage hole by using a coat hanger. Incorrect flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill the gaps around the frame. A wrong pitch could be the cause of the window sill sloping to one side. repairs to double glazed windows can identify the cause of the issue and provide an affordable, quick solution.
While it is not unusual for old UPVC windows to leak or break however, it is more cost-effective and efficient to seek out a professional double-glazed repair service. They can restore the look and functionality of your windows to the way they were when they were new. They can even replace handles, hinges and locks if necessary. A professional window repair company will also give you some kind of guarantee for their work, which you could not receive if you tried to repair the window yourself.
Difficulty to Open
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you must get in touch with the company from whom you purchased them. In the majority of cases, a simple fix will resolve the issue. If the issue continues to persist then you should consider replacing your old windows with more modern. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer 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, as well as sophisticated security hardware that deter intruders.
Condensation between glass panes is another common indication that double glazing needs repair. This is due to an issue with the seals which separate the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the two panes of glass and then be replaced by humid air. This will keep your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this isn't happening the seals may have deteriorated or broken, which is something that may happen in time as a result of weather changes or other factors.
A draught emanating from your double-glazed window is an indication that the seals have failed, meaning that cold air is getting into your home. This can also lead to higher energy costs, since your heating system will need to work harder to keep the temperature inside your home steady.
In certain situations the draught could be fixed by lubricating the hinges or handles on your double-glazed doors or windows. It is crucial to note that this is only a temporary solution and you'll have to seek out the experts if the problem persists.
You can also put in ventilation systems, such as air bricks, extractors or vents in your windows and doors, to help with the issue of condensation. It is also essential to allow your double-glazed windows and doors to breathe by keeping them open to the maximum extent feasible, which is possible with trickle vents.