10 Things Your Competition Can Teach You About Double Glazed Repair
How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to have your double-glazed window frames inspected regularly, particularly if they are shrinking or expanding. This can reduce the chance of draughts.
If you notice condensation in between the panes, this is an indication that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation but will also help to reduce the cost of energy.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing isn't indestructible and it is possible for faults to occur that could reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing is an simple process however, you'll require the proper tools and knowledge to do it right. It is recommended to hire a professional to do the work, instead of trying to do it yourself.
A cracked or broken pane is the most common problem with double-glazed windows. A knock or a blow from outside can cause this, as can the attempt to open a stuck-closed window. Glass can break or crack into pieces depending on its size and the force that is used to crack it.
You can repair double-glazed glass that is susceptible to cracking with the help of special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack growing or becoming worse, and will prevent the elements of wind, water or other elements from entering your home through cracks.
Condensation of double glazing is another common problem and is usually the result of a break of the window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, which is why it is essential to ensure that your windows are still in warranty before you attempt to fix them.
It's usually covered by the company who provided you with the double glazing, therefore it's essential to contact them promptly and clearly explain the issue. This is best done in writing instead of via phone or text. Always keep an original copy.
If you want to try and fix a damaged or misted window yourself, a common procedure is to drill an opening in the centre of the affected window. A special desiccant is then inserted to absorb moisture which can aid in helping the condensation problem to resolve itself. This is a temporary fix and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as possible.
Misty Panes
When double glazed windows start misting up it can be a major pain and can cause significant disruption in your home. Once you have identified the source it's fairly easy to repair. Most of the time the problem is caused by a flaw in the seals that protect your window panes. This allows moisture get into. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even defective seals from the window manufacturer could cause this problem.
Standard sealed units consist of two glass panes with a hollow spacer bar sandwiched between them (shown in the above image). The inside of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars are filled with desiccant in order to absorb moisture. 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, moisture can get in between the panes, and this can create condensation and mist. This could cause heat to escape from your property, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost to energy bills.
Unfortunately, repairing a misted double glazing window can be a bit difficult and shouldn't be attempted by anyone without extensive knowledge of glazing and the construction industry. If you're willing to take on the challenge then it is possible to fix a sealed unit that has been misted by putting moisture-absorbing desiccant back into the space between the glass panes.
Be aware, however this is a temporary solution and the condensation will likely return, and the process may need repeating. It's far more effective to replace the misted glass and it will also be more efficient and cleaner. Replacements can also bring back the original insulation of your house which isn't available in a repair. If you're experiencing misty windows or condensation, we suggest you contact an experienced company that can provide double glazing. While you wait, make sure to keep your windows as clean and dry as possible.
Water Leaks
Double glazed windows shouldn't leak, regardless of whether they're old or new. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience but can cause severe damage to your home including the development of mold and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window company as soon you suspect that there is a issue.
Window leaks can be an indication that the seals between glass panes aren't functioning properly. If you notice condensation between the panes it's a sure sign that the window seal has become damaged and moisture is getting into the insulation gap between the glass. A small amount of condensation is normal. However, if the problem persists and is visible on your home's exterior or interior it is the right time to contact a repair service.
Another reason for leaks is the accumulation of water on the bottom of the frame of your window. This could 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 blocked can be easily fixed by using a coat hanger wire to clean out the gunk. Using roofing caulk, you can fix flashing that isn't working properly. If the window sill is sloping to one side it may be due to an incorrect pitch. A professional window repair service will to determine the source of the issue and provide an affordable, fast solution.
Although it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to fail or leak but it is more efficient and cost-effective to get a professional double glazed repair service. They can restore the appearance and functionality of your windows to how they were when they were new. They can also replace hinges, handles and locks if necessary. A professional window repair company will also provide you with a form of guarantee for their work, which you would not receive if you tried to repair the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are becoming difficult to open, you should get in touch with the company from which you bought them. In most instances, a simple repair can fix the problem. If the issue continues to persist, you should consider replacing your windows with new, more modern designs. Double-glazed windows are available with modern features that keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium with advanced insulation that stops the heat from escape, and innovative security equipment to keep out intruders.
Condensation between 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, making sure that your windows stay airtight and thermally efficient. If this isn't happening the seals may have deteriorated or simply broken down in some way, which may happen in time as a result of weather changes or other factors.
A draught coming from your double-glazed window also a common sign that the seals have failed, indicating that cold air is leaking into your home. This could lead to higher energy bills, as your heating system will need to be more efficient to keep the temperature inside your home steady.
In some cases a draught can be fixed by lubricating hinges, handles, or mechanisms on your double-glazed windows or doors. double glazing repairs is crucial to note that this is a temporary solution, and you'll have to seek out the experts in the event that the issue continues to persist.
To reduce condensation, you can install ventilation in your windows and doors for reducing condensation, such as air bricks or extractors. You should also allow your double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which can be achieved by using trickle vents.