How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea 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 between the panes, this is an indication that the seal is failing and has to be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and conserve energy.
Cracked or broken Panes
Double glazing isn't impervious to damage. It is susceptible to developing faults that can reduce the energy efficiency. Repairing double glazing is a relatively simple process but the right tools and skills are needed to make high-quality repairs. It is recommended to hire a professional to complete the task, rather than try to do it yourself.
The most common fault that affects a double-glazed window is a cracked or broken pane. This can be a result of a knock or blow to the frame from the outside, or from an attempt to open the window that is shut. Glass can crack or break into pieces based on its size and the force used to break it.
You can repair a double-glazed glass window that is prone to cracking with the help of special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack growing or becoming worse, and also stop water, wind or any other elements from getting into your home through the cracks.
Condensation in double glazing is another frequent issue and is often the result of a breakdown of the window seal. It is a common occurrence that is caused by temperature and weather changes. Before attempting to repair your windows, you should see if they are still covered by the warranty.
Typically, this will be covered by the company you bought the double glazing from. Therefore, it is essential to contact them promptly and explain the issue clearly. This should be done in writing instead of by text or phone. Always keep a copy.
If you want to try and fix a window that has become misty by yourself, a popular method involves drilling a hole into the centre of the damaged pane. The desiccant will absorb moisture and help to solve the issue. However this is a temporary solution and it is recommended to have your double-glazed windows replaced with new units as soon as possible.
Misted Panes
When double glazed windows start getting misty, it can be a huge issue and cause a significant disruption to your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's fairly easy to fix. Most of the time, the root of the problem is a problem with the seals between your window panes, which allows moisture to get in. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even defective seals from the window manufacturer could cause this issue.
Standard sealed units consist of two glass panes with an open spacer bar sandwiched between them (shown in the image above). The inside of the spacer bar has been perforated and the spacer bars have been filled with desiccant to suck up any moisture. The two glass panes then be bonded together and the whole unit will be injected with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can see, if the seal fails, moisture can get between the panes causing condensation and mist. This could cause heat to escape your property, which can result in a significant amount of money lost on energy bills.
Unfortunately, repairing a misted double glazing window isn't easy and shouldn't be attempted by those who don't have extensive knowledge of the construction industry. If you're willing to tackle the challenge, it is possible to repair a misted sealed window by introducing a moisture-absorbing desiccant in the gap between the glass panels.
Remember that this is only a temporary fix and the condensation could return. The process will need to be repeated. It is much more effective to replace the misty unit. It will also be quicker and more clean. A replacement can also bring back the original insulation of your property which isn't available in repairs. We recommend getting in touch with a reputable double glazing company if you're struggling with condensation and misty windows. While you wait, make sure to keep your windows as clean and dry as you can.
Water Leaks
Whether they are new or old, double glazed windows should not leak. Leaking windows are not only an inconvenience but can cause significant damage to your home, including the development of mold and structural damage as well as higher heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window service as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.
Window leaks could be an indication that the seals between glass panes are not working properly. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass, it is an indication that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. Moisture is now flowing through the insulating space between the two panes. A little condensation is perfectly normal. However, if the problem persists and is visible on your home's interior or exterior, it is time to call in a repair service.
The accumulation of water at the bottom of your window frame is another typical cause of leaks. This could be a sign of blocked drain holes, improper flashing, or a sloped sill. A clogged drainage hole is easy to fix by using a coat hanger made of wire to clear the gunk. Incorrect flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill the gaps in the frame. A wrong pitch could be the reason of the window sill sloping to one side. A professional window repair service will be able identify the cause of the issue and provide an affordable, fast solution.
double glazing windows repairs is not uncommon for UPVC windows that are older to break or leak. However, it is more cost-effective and efficient to hire a double glazing repair service. They can restore your windows' appearance and functionality to the way they were when they first were introduced. They can also replace hinges and locks and handles if needed. Professional window repair companies will give you a guarantee for their work. You wouldn't receive this if you tried to repair the windows yourself.
It is difficult to open
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, you should contact the company from whom you bought windows. In the majority of cases, a simple repair can resolve the issue. If the problem persists it is possible to consider replacing your old windows with more modern ones. Double-glazed windows are available with the most recent features to keep your home safe and warm. These include slimline uPVC frames or aluminium frames that have advanced insulation that blocks heat from escaping and innovative security hardware.
Condensation in the glass panes is another sign that double glazing requires repair. This is caused by a failure in the seals between the two panes. Inert gas is supposed to get into the glass and replace it with moist air to ensure that your windows remain well-insulated and thermally efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals could have been damaged in the course of time due to weather changes or other factors.
A draft coming from your double-glazed window another sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaking into your home. This could lead to higher energy bills, as your heating system will need to perform harder to keep the temperature of your home stable.
In certain situations, a draught can be fixed by lubricating hinges handles, mechanisms or handles 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 if the problem persists.
You can also put in ventilation devices, like air bricks, extractors or vents in your doors and windows to alleviate the issue of condensation. It is also important to let your double-glazed doors as well as windows to breathe, which you can achieve by using trickle vents.