How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea inspect your double-glazed windows frequently, particularly if you observe that the frames are expanding or contracting. This will reduce the risk of draughts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and should be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and save energy.
Cracked or broken Panes
Double glazing is not indestructible and it is possible for faults to occur that can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a relatively simple process but the right tools and knowledge are required to make quality repairs. It is recommended to get a professional perform the work rather than try to do it yourself.
A cracked or broken pane is the most common problem with double-glazed windows. This can be a result of a knock or blow to the frame from the outside or a failed attempt to open a window that is stuck shut. The glass could break or crack into smaller pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
You can repair a double-glazed glass window that is susceptible to cracking using a special tape or putty. This will stop the crack from expanding or becoming worse and it will stop any moisture, wind or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another common problem is condensation in double-glazed windows. This is usually caused by a damaged window seal. It is a natural occurrence that can occur due to varying temperatures and weather conditions, so it is important to check that your windows are under warranty before attempting to fix them.
It's usually covered by the company who supplied you with your double glazing, so it's important to contact them promptly and explain the problem clearly. It is recommended to do this in writing instead of by phone or text message Keep a copy of your correspondence.
If you're looking to try and repair a misted window yourself, a typical method is to drill through the middle of the damaged pane. A desiccant that is specially designed is put in to absorb any moisture, and this can help the condensation issue to get rid of itself. This is a temporary solution and it is recommended 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 nuisance and cause major disruptions to your home. It is, however, relatively easy to resolve the issue after you have figured out the root of the issue. Most of the time, the root of the issue is a failure of the seals between your window panes, allowing moisture to get in. This could be due to inadequate installation, drainage issues or even seals that are defective from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units comprise of two glass panes with a hollow spacer bar inserted between them (shown in the above image). The inside of this bar is perforated, and the spacer bars are filled with a desiccant, which is there to absorb any moisture that gets into the unit. The two glass panes will be bonded together and the whole unit will be filled with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the sealed unit fails then moisture could get between the panes and this could cause condensation and mist. This can also cause heat to escape your property, which can result in a significant amount of money lost to energy bills.
Repairing a window that has been misted is a challenging task that should not be attempted by a person who doesn't have extensive knowledge of the construction and glazing industries. However, if you're willing to take on the challenge then it is possible to fix a sealed unit that has been misted by adding a moisture absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panes.
Be local double glazing repairs that this is only a temporary fix, and the condensation may occur again. The process will have to be repeated. It's far more effective to replace the misted glass and it will also be much cleaner and quicker. A replacement can also restore the original insulation of your property that isn't accessible through repairs. If you are experiencing misted windows or condensation, we recommend contacting a reputable company that offers double glazing. In the meantime, consider to keep your windows as dry as possible by making sure they're properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
Whether they are new or old, double glazed windows should not leak. Leaking windows aren't only an inconvenience but can cause serious damage to your home including mold growth and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling expenses. Contact a professional window company as soon you suspect that there is a issue.
Window leaks are an indication that the seals between glass panes aren't working properly. If you see condensation between the panes, it's a sure sign that your window seal has been damaged and that water is leaking into the insulation gap between the glass. A little condensation is perfectly normal. However should the issue persist and is visible on your home's exterior or interior it is the right time to call an expert repair service.
Another reason for leaks is the accumulation of water on the bottom frame of your window. This could be a sign of clogged drain holes or flashing that is not properly installed, or an uneven sill. A drainage hole that is blocked can be easily fixed by using a coat hanger made of wire to clean out the gunk. Using roofing caulk, it is easy to repair flashing that is not properly installed. A misplaced pitch could be the cause of a window sill that slopes to one side. A reputable window repair company can identify the cause and provide an efficient, quick and cost-effective solution.
It is not uncommon for UPVC windows that are older to break or leak. However it is much more cost-effective and efficient to hire an expert to repair your double glazing. They can restore your windows' appearance and functionality to how they were when they first came out. They can also replace hinges and handles, and locks if required. Professional window repair companies will offer you a guarantee on their work. You would not get this if you were to repair windows on your own.
Difficulty to Open
If you notice that your windows are getting harder to open, call the company that sold you them. Most of the time, the problem is fixable with an easy fix. If the problem persists then you should look at replacing your windows with more modern. Double-glazed windows are available with state-of-the-art features that will keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC or aluminium frames with advanced insulation that stops heat from escaping, and sophisticated security hardware that deter intruders.
Another indication that your double glazing needs repairs is condensation between the glass panes. This is caused by a failure in the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the panes of glass and replaced by humid air. This keeps your windows in a breathable state and be energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, then the seals could have been damaged over time due to weather changes or other factors.
A draft from a double-glazed windows could also indicate that the seals aren't working which means cold air is leaking in to your home. This can also lead to more expensive energy bills as your heating system will need to work harder to keep the temperature in your home in a stable state.
In some instances, a draught may be resolved by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms on your double-glazed windows or doors. It is crucial to keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix and if the problem persists, you'll have to contact a professional.
You can also install ventilation, such as air bricks, extractors or vents in your doors and windows to assist with condensation issues. It is also important to let your double-glazed doors as well as windows to breathe, which is possible through trickle vents.