How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea to have your double-glazed windows checked regularly, especially if notice the frames are contracting or expanding. This can reduce the possibility of draughts.
If you see condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and must be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and save energy.
Cracked or Broken Panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and there are a few issues that can affect the efficiency of energy-efficient windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a straightforward process, but the proper tools and knowledge are required to make quality repairs. It is normally best to hire a professional company to do the work rather than trying it yourself.
A cracked or broken pane is the most frequent issue with double-glazed windows. This can be a result of a blow or knock on the frame from outside or an attempt to open the window that is closed. The glass could crack or break into small pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force applied to it.
If the double-glazed window is susceptible to cracking, it can be repaired with a form of putty or tape. This will prevent the crack from expanding or getting worse. It will stop any water, wind or other elements from entering the home through the cracks.
Condensation of double glazing is a different issue that is common and this is often the result of a breakdown of the window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, therefore it is essential to ensure that your windows are in warranty before you attempt to repair them.
Typically, this is covered by the company that you purchased your double glazing from so it is important to contact them quickly and explain the issue clearly. It is recommended to do this in writing rather than by text or phone Keep a copy of your correspondence.
If you're looking to try and repair a misted window yourself, a typical procedure is to drill a hole into the centre of the damaged pane. repair double glazing windows is then inserted to absorb any moisture which can aid in helping the condensation issue to get rid of itself. However, this is only temporary solution, and it is recommended that you have double-glazed windows replaced with new units as soon as you can.
Misted Panes
When double glazed windows start fogging up, it can be a real pain and can cause significant disruption in your home. Once you identify the cause it's easy to repair. Most often, the cause of the issue is a defect in the seals between the window panes that allow moisture to enter. This can be caused by poor installation, drainage issues or even seals that are defective from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes, sandwiched by an open spacer (shown above). The surface of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars are filled with desiccant to absorb any moisture. The two glass panes will be sealed and the whole unit will be injected with gas in order to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if a sealed unit fails, moisture could get between the panes and this can create condensation and mist. This could also result in heat escaping from your property, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost to energy bills.
Unfortunately, fixing double glazing windows that have been misted isn't easy and isn't something that should be attempted by anyone without the necessary knowledge of glazing and the construction industry. 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 back into the space between the glass panes.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and the condensation may be back. The process will need to be repeated. It's more efficient to replace misted glass units and will be more efficient and cleaner. A replacement will bring back the original insulation of your home, which is not possible with a repair. If you are experiencing misted windows or condensation, we recommend contacting an established company that provides double glazing. In the meantime, try keeping your windows as dry as possible by ensuring that they are properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows shouldn't leak, no matter if they are old or new. Leaking windows are not only an inconvenience but can cause severe damage to your home including mold growth, structural damage and increased heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window service as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.
Window leaks are typically indications of a problem with the seals that connect the panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the panes, this is a sure sign that the window seal has been damaged and that moisture is seeping into the insulating gap between the glass. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it is persistent and is visible on the interior or exterior of your home it is time to have a repair service in.
Water accumulating at the bottom of your window frame is another common reason for leaks. This could be an indication of drainage holes that are blocked, improper flashing or a sloped sill. A drainage hole that is clogged is easy to fix by using a coat hanger made of wire to clean out the gunk. With roofing caulk, it is easy to repair flashing that is not properly installed. A misplaced pitch could be the cause of an inclined window sill to one side. A professional window repair service can identify the cause of the issue and offer an affordable and quick solution.
While it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to leak or break however, it is more cost-effective and efficient to get a professional double-glazed repair service. They can bring your windows' appearance and function to how they were when they first came out. They can even replace hinges, handles, and locks, if needed. Professional window repair companies will give you a guarantee on their work. You would not get this if you were to fix the windows yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you find that your windows are becoming more difficult to open, contact the company that sold you them. In the majority of cases, a simple repair will resolve the issue. If the issue continues to persist and you are unable to resolve it, you should consider replacing your windows with new, more modern designs. 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 with high-tech insulation that prevents heat from escape and cutting-edge security hardware.
Another indication that your double glazing is in need of repairs is condensation that forms between the glass panes. This is due to a failure of the seals that connect the two panes. Inert gas is supposed to seep out between the glass and replace it with moist air, making sure that your windows remain airtight and thermally efficient. If this doesn't happen, then the seals could have deteriorated over time due to weather changes or other factors.
A draught coming from the double-glazed windows is also a common sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaked into your home. This could also result in higher energy costs, since your heating system will need to be more efficient to keep the temperature of your home steady.
In some cases a draught may be fixed by lubricating the hinges or handles on windows or doors that are double-glazed. It is crucial to remember that this is only temporary solution and if the issue persists, then you'll have to contact a professional.
You can also add ventilation systems, such as extractors, air bricks or vents in your doors and windows to assist with the issue of condensation. It is also important to allow your double-glazed doors and windows to breathe by keeping them open as much as possible. This is possible with trickle vents.