How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to have your double-glazed window frames inspected regularly, particularly when they are shrinking or expanding. This will decrease the risk of drafts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is possible that the seal be failing and should be replaced. The seal is able to be replaced to lessen condensation and conserve energy.
Cracked or Broken Panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and there are a few issues that can affect the energy efficiency of the windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing can be an easy process however, you'll need the right tools and knowledge to do it correctly. It is generally recommended to get a professional complete the task, rather than attempting to do it yourself.
The most frequent issue that affects a double-glazed window is a cracked or broken pane. It could be the result of a knock or blow to the frame from the outside, or from an attempt to open windows that are shut. The glass may crack or break into small pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force applied to it.
Repairing double-glazed glass susceptible to cracking by using special tape or putty. This will stop the crack from spreading or getting worse. It will stop any moisture, wind or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another issue that is common is condensation in double glazing. It is usually caused by a damaged window seal. It is a natural process that is caused by different temperatures and weather conditions, so it is essential to ensure that your windows are still under warranty prior to attempting to repair them.
Typically, this issue will be covered by the company that you purchased your double glazing from, so it is important to contact them immediately and clearly explain the issue. It is recommended to do this in writing, rather than via text message or phone, and always keep the copy of your correspondence.
If you're looking to try and fix a damaged or misted window yourself, a typical procedure is to drill a hole into the centre of the damaged pane. A special desiccant is placed in the hole to absorb any moisture, and this will help the condensation problem to resolve 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
If double-glazed windows begin fogging up, it can be a huge trouble and can cause major disruption in your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's easy to fix. In most cases the cause of the problem is a failure of the seals between the window panes that allow moisture to get in. Poor installation, drainage issues or even faulty seals by the window manufacturer can trigger this problem.
Standard sealed units comprise two glass panes, sandwiched by a hollow spacer (shown above). The inner surface of the spacer bar is perforated, and the spacer bars have been filled with desiccant to absorb any moisture. The two glass panes will be sealed together and the whole unit will be filled with gas in order to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the sealed unit fails, then moisture can enter between the panes and this could cause condensation and mist. This could also result in heat escaping from your home, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost to energy bills.
However, fixing double glazing windows that have been misted can be a bit difficult and shouldn't be attempted by anyone without extensive knowledge of the construction industry. If you are willing to tackle the challenge, it's possible to repair a sealed window that has been misted by putting in moisture-absorbing desiccant into the gap between the glass panels.
repairs to double glazing in mind, though, that this is only a temporary solution and the condensation will likely return, and the process could need to be repeated. It's more efficient to replace a misted glass unit and will be much cleaner and quicker. A replacement can also help restore the original insulation of your property which isn't possible with a repair. We suggest getting in touch with a reputable double-glazing company if you're having trouble with condensation and misty windows. In the meantime, consider keeping your windows as dry as you can by making sure they're properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
Double glazed windows shouldn't leak, regardless of whether they're new or old. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience but can cause severe damage to your home including mold development, structural damage and increased heating and cooling expenses. If you suspect a leak, contact a professional window repair service as soon as you can in order to bring the issue under control.
Window leaks can be a sign that the seals between glass panes are not working correctly. If you notice condensation between the glass panes it's an indication that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. Moisture is now flowing through the insulating space between the two panes. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it persists and becomes visible on the interior or exterior of your house, it's time to call an repair service.
Another common cause of leaks is the accumulation of water on the bottom of the frame of your window. This could be a sign of clogged drainage holes, improper flashing or an unbalanced sill. It is easy to clean out a clogged drain hole by using a coat hanger. Improper flashing is also easy to fix by using roofing caulk to fill in the gaps around the frame. A misplaced pitch could be the cause of an inclined window sill to one side. A professional window repair service will be able determine the root of the issue and provide an affordable, fast solution.
It is not uncommon for UPVC windows that are older to leak or break. However it is much more cost-effective and efficient to use an expert to repair your double glazing. They can bring your windows' appearance and function to the way they were when they first were released. They can also replace hinges, handles, and locks, if needed. A professional window repair service will also give you some form of guarantee for their work, which you could not be able to get if you tried to fix the window yourself.
It is difficult to open
If you notice that your windows are becoming difficult to open, you must contact the company from whom you purchased them. In the majority of cases the issue is fixable by an easy fix. If the problem persists, you may want to look at replacing your windows with more modern. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer state-of-the-art features that will keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium and advanced insulation to prevent the heat from escape, and innovative security hardware to deter intruders.
Another indication that your double glazing is in need of repairs is condensation between the panes of glass. This is due to a failure of the seals that separate the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the panes of glass and be replaced by humid air. This keeps your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals could have deteriorated over time due changes in weather or other elements.
A draft coming from a double-glazed window can also be a sign that the seals are failing and cold air is leaking into your home. This can lead to more energy costs as your heating system will need to work harder to keep the temperature of your home.
In certain situations a draught may be fixed by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms of windows or doors with double glazing. It is crucial to keep in mind that this is only temporary fix. If the issue persists, then you'll need to contact a professional.
To prevent condensation, you can put in ventilation in your windows and door like extractors or air bricks. It is also important to allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which you can achieve by using trickle vents.