How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is a good idea to inspect your double-glazed windows regularly, especially if observe that the frames are contracting or expanding. This will reduce the chance of drafts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and should be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation but will also help to reduce the cost of energy.
Cracked or broken panes
Double glazing is not indestructible and it is possible for faults to occur that could reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a easy process, however the right tools and skills are needed to carry out quality repairs. It is generally recommended to work with a professional firm to complete the task rather than trying it yourself.
The most common fault that affects a double-glazed window is a cracked or broken pane. This could be a result of a knock or blow to the frame from the outside or a failed attempt to open the window that is shut. The glass could break or crack into small pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
Repairing double-glazed glass windows that is susceptible to cracking with the help of special tape or putty. This will stop the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will block any water, wind or other elements from entering the home through the cracks.
Condensation in double-glazed windows is another frequent issue and is usually the result of a breakdown of the window seal. It is a natural process that can occur due to varying temperatures and weather conditions, so it is essential to ensure that your windows are under warranty prior to attempting to repair them.
This will usually be covered by the company who sold you your double glazing, so it's important to contact them immediately and clearly explain the issue. This is best written down instead of via phone or text. Always keep the original.
Drilling a hole into the center of a misted pane is a popular method to fix it yourself. A desiccant that is specially designed is put in to absorb any moisture, and this can 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 is possible.
Misted Panes
Double glazed windows that mist up can be a huge issue and cause major disruptions to your home. It is, however, fairly simple to fix the issue after you have figured out what's causing it. In most cases the cause of the issue is a failure of the seals between your window panes, allowing moisture to get in. This could be due to poor installation, drainage problems or even seals that are defective from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes sandwiched with an open spacer (shown above). The inside of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars have been filled with desiccant to suck up any moisture. The two glass panes are then joined and the entire unit is filled with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the seal fails, moisture could be trapped between the panes, causing condensation and mist. This can also cause heat to escape your home, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost to energy bills.
Unfortunately, fixing a misted double glazing window isn't easy and isn't something that should be attempted by anyone without an extensive understanding of glazing and the construction industry. If you're willing to tackle the challenge, it's possible to repair a misted sealed window by adding moisture-absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panels.
Bear in mind, though this is temporary solution, and the condensation will likely return, and the process could need to be repeated. It's more efficient to replace misted glass units and will be more efficient and cleaner. A replacement can also bring back the original insulation of your property that isn't accessible with a repair. If you are experiencing misted windows and condensation, we recommend contacting a reputable company that offers double glazing. While you wait, keep your windows as dry and clean as you can.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows should not leak, regardless of whether they're new or old. Leaking windows are not only an inconvenience, but they could cause serious damage to your home such as the development of mold, structural damage and increased heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window company as soon as you notice a problem.
Window leaks can be an indication that the seals between glass panes are not functioning properly. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass it's an indication that the seal between the two panes has deteriorated. Moisture is now seeping through the insulating space that is between the two panes. A little condensation is perfectly normal. However should the issue persist and is evident on your home's interior or exterior, it is time to call an expert repair service.
Another cause of leaks is water collecting on the bottom frame of your window. This could be a sign of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed, or an unbalanced sill. repair double glazing that is blocked is easy to fix by using a coat hanger wire to clean out the gunk. By using roofing caulk, you can easily fix improper flashing. If the window sill is sloping to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair company can identify the root of the problem and offer an efficient, quick and cost-effective solution.
While it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to break or leak, it is much more efficient and cost-effective to get a professional double glazed repair service. They can restore the look and function of your windows back to what they were like when they were brand new. They can also replace hinges and handles and locks if necessary. A professional window repair service will also give you some type of warranty for their work, which you could not be able to get if you tried to fix the window yourself.
Difficulty of Opening
If you notice your windows are getting harder to open, you should contact the company from which you purchased the windows. In most cases, the problem is fixable by a simple fix. If the problem continues then you should think about replacing your windows with modern windows that are more modern in design. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer the latest features to ensure your home is secure and warm. These include slimline uPVC frames or aluminium frames with high-tech insulation that prevents heat from escaping and innovative security equipment.
Condensation between the glass panes is another sign that double glazing requires repair. This is caused by an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are supposed to escape between the two panes of glass and replaced by humid air. This will keep your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this isn't the case, the seals could have been damaged over time due weather changes or other factors.
A draft coming from your double-glazed window is also a common sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaked into your home. This could also lead to higher energy costs since your heating system has to work harder to maintain the temperature in your home.
In some cases the draught could be fixed by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms of windows or doors that are double-glazed. However, it is important to remember that this is temporary solution and if the issue persists, you'll have to call in the experts.
You can also put in ventilation devices, like extractors, air bricks or vents in your doors and windows to assist with the issue of condensation. It is also essential to allow double-glazed windows and doors to breathe by leaving them open as much as possible, which can be achieved with trickle vents.