How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea to inspect your double-glazed windows frequently, particularly if you find that the frames are expanding or contracting. This can reduce the chance of drafts.
If you notice condensation between the panes this indicates that the seal is failing and has to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only reduce condensation, but also help to reduce the cost of energy.
Broken or cracked Panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and faults can occur which can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing can be an easy process however, you'll require the right tools and experience to do it right. It is usually best to hire a professional to perform the work instead of trying to do it yourself.
A broken or cracked window is the most common problem for double-glazed windows. A knock or a blow from the outside can cause this, as can attempts to open a stuck-closed window. The glass could break or crack into small pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
You can repair double-glazed glass windows that is susceptible to cracking by using special tape or putty. This will prevent the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will stop any wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another issue that is common is condensation in double-glazed windows. It is usually the result of a broken window seal. It is a normal phenomenon that happens due to temperature and weather changes. Before attempting to fix your windows, make sure to check if they're covered by the warranty.
This is usually covered by the company who provided you with the double glazing, so it is important to contact them quickly and clearly explain the issue. It is best to address this in writing rather than by phone or text message and keep a copy of your correspondence.
If you're looking to try and fix a window that has become misty yourself, a common method is to drill a hole into the centre of the affected window. A special desiccant is then put in to absorb moisture and this can help the condensation issue to get rid of itself. This is a temporary fix and it is recommended you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as possible.
Misty Panes
Double glazed windows that mist up can be a huge troublesome issue that can cause major disruptions in your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's easy to fix. Most of the time the issue is caused by a failure in the seals that protect your window panes. This allows moisture get into. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even faulty seals by the window manufacturer could cause this problem.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes, sandwiched by an open spacer (shown above). The inner face of this spacer bar is perforated and the bars that are used as spacers are filled with a desiccant which helps to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes are joined and the entire unit is injected with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the sealed unit fails then moisture can enter between the panes, and this double glazed repairs can cause condensation and even mist. This could cause heat to escape from your property, which could result in a substantial amount of money being lost due to energy bills.
Repairing a misted glass is a difficult task that should not be attempted by a person who isn't well-versed of the construction and glazing industries. If you are willing to take on the challenge, it is possible to repair a sealed window that has been misted by adding moisture-absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panels.
Be aware that this is only a temporary fix, and the condensation may occur again. The process will need to be repeated. It's much more effective to replace the misty unit. It's also cleaner and faster. A replacement will bring back the original insulation to your home and is not achievable with a repair. We suggest getting in touch with a reputable double-glazing company if you're having trouble with condensation and misted windows. In the meantime, you can try keeping your windows as dry as they can by making sure they're properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
No matter if they are brand new or old, double-glazed windows should not leak. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience, but they could cause severe damage to your home including mold growth and structural damage as well as higher heating and cooling expenses. Contact a professional window service as soon as you notice a problem.
Window leaks could be an indication that the seals between glass panes aren't functioning properly. If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is 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. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it persists and is visible on the outside or inside of your house, it's time to call repairs done.
The accumulation of water at the bottom of the window frame is a typical cause of leaks. This could be a sign of clogged drain holes or flashing that is not properly installed or an uneven sill. A clogged drainage hole is easy to fix by using a coat hanger made of wire to clear the gunk. Using roofing caulk, it is easy to fix flashing that isn't working properly. If the window sill slopes to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service can to determine the source of the problem and provide an affordable, quick solution.
While it is not unusual for old UPVC windows to break or leak however, it is more efficient and cost-effective to get a professional double-glazed repair service. They can restore your windows' appearance and function to what they were when they first were released. They can also replace handles, hinges and locks, if needed. A professional window repair service will also give you some type of warranty for their work, which you will not receive if you tried to fix the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, it is best to contact the company from which you purchased windows. Most of the time, the problem can be solved with an easy fix. If the issue continues to persist, you should consider replacing your windows with modern, more modern designs. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer the latest technology to keep your home safe and warm, including slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium and advanced insulation to prevent the heat from escape, and innovative security hardware to keep out intruders.
Condensation between glass panes is another common indication that double glazing needs repair. This is caused by a failure of the seals that separate the two panes. Inert gas is supposed get into the glass and replace it with moist air to ensure that your windows remain well-insulated and thermally efficient. If this isn't happening, the seals may have deteriorated or broken, which is something that can occur in time as a result of weather changes or other elements.
A draft coming from a double-glazed windows could be a sign the seals aren't working and cold air is coming into your home. This could also lead to higher energy bills as your heating system will need to work harder to maintain the temperature of your home.
In some cases the draught could be fixed by lubricating hinges or handles on windows or doors with double glazing. It is crucial to remember that this is a temporary fix and if the problem persists, you'll need to call in the experts.
To prevent condensation, you can install ventilation in your windows and doors, such as extractors or air bricks. You should also allow double-glazed doors and windows to 'breathe,' which you can achieve by using trickle vents.