How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to ensure that your double-glazed window frames are regularly inspected, especially when they are expanding or shrinking. This will reduce the chance of drafts.
If you notice condensation appearing between the glass panes, the seal could be 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.
Cracked or broken panes
Double glazing isn't impervious to damage. It can experience problems that could reduce the energy efficiency. Repairing double glazing is a relatively simple process but the right tools and knowledge are required to make top-quality repairs. It is recommended to hire a professional company to perform the work instead of attempting it yourself.
A cracked or broken pane is the most common problem for double-glazed windows. This could be a result of a knock or blow to the frame from outside, or from an attempt to open a window that is stuck shut. The glass may break or crack into small pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force applied to it.
If a double-glazed window is prone to cracking, it can be repaired by using a form of putty or tape. This will stop the crack from growing or becoming worse, and will prevent water, wind or any other elements from getting into your home through the cracks.
Another common problem is condensation in double glazing. This is typically the result of a broken window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that can occur due to varying temperatures and weather conditions, so it is essential to ensure that your windows are still in warranty before you attempt to fix them.
Typically, this is covered by the company you purchased your double glazing from, so it is important to contact them quickly and explain the issue clearly. It is best to address this in writing, rather than by text or phone and keep an original copy of the correspondence.
If you're looking to try and fix a window that has become misty yourself, a typical procedure is to drill a hole into the centre of the damaged pane. A desiccant that is specially designed is placed in the hole to absorb moisture and this can help the condensation problem to resolve itself. This is only a temporary fix and it is recommended that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as possible.
Misted Panes
Double glazed windows that mist up can be a real issue and cause major disruptions to your home. Once you identify the cause it's easy to fix. In most cases, the problem is due to a problem in the seals that protect the window panes. This allows moisture to get into. This can be caused by poor installation, drainage problems or even defective seals from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units comprise of two glass panes with an open spacer bar sandwiched between them (shown in the image above). The face of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars are filled with a desiccant, which is there to absorb any moisture that comes into the unit. The two glass panes are then sealed and the whole unit is filled with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the sealed unit fails, moisture can enter 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 misted window is a tricky job that should not be attempted by anyone who isn't well-versed of the construction and glazing industries. However, if you are willing to tackle the challenge, it's possible to repair a sealed unit that has been misted by adding moisture absorbing desiccant back into the gap between the glass panes.
Be aware, however it's only an interim solution. The condensation will likely to return and the process may need repeating. It's much more effective to replace the misty unit. It is also cleaner and faster. A replacement can also bring back the original insulation of your property that isn't accessible in repair. If you're experiencing misty windows or condensation, we suggest you contact an experienced company that can provide double glazing. While you wait, keep your windows as dry and clean as possible.
Water Leaks
If they're new or old, double-glazed windows should not leak. Leaking windows are not only an inconvenience, but they could cause significant damage to your home including the development of mold, structural damage and increased heating and cooling expenses. Contact a professional window service as soon as you notice a issue.
Window leaks are usually an indication of a problem with the seals between panes of glass. If you see condensation between the panes it's a sure sign that the window seal has deteriorated and that 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 time to contact a repair service.
Water accumulating at the bottom of your window frame is a typical cause of leaks. This can be a sign of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed, or a sloped sill. It is easy to clean out a clogged drainage hole by using a coat hanger. Flashing that isn't properly installed is also simple to fix by using roofing caulk to fill in the gaps around the frame. If the window sill is sloped to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service can identify the cause of the issue and offer an affordable, fast solution.
While it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to fail or leak however, it is more cost-effective and efficient to seek out a professional double glazed repair service. They can restore the appearance and function of your windows back to the way they were when they were brand new. double glazing repairs cost can also replace hinges and handles, and locks if required. A professional window repair service will also offer a kind of guarantee for their work, which you would not receive if you tried to fix the window yourself.
Difficulty of Opening
If you find that your windows are getting harder to open, you should contact the company from which you purchased them. In the majority of cases, a simple repair can resolve the issue. If the issue continues to persist, you may want to consider replacing your old windows with more modern ones. New double glazed Windows offer the latest features to keep your home safe and warm. These include slimline uPVC frames or aluminium frames that have advanced insulation that blocks heat from escaping, as well as innovative security hardware.
Condensation between glass panes is another indication that double glazing needs repair. This is due to an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the panes of glass and then be replaced by moist air. This keeps your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals could have deteriorated over time due to weather changes or other factors.
A draft coming from a double-glazed windows could also indicate that the seals aren't working and cold air is leaking into your home. This could lead to higher energy bills, as your heating system will need to work harder to keep the temperature in your home stable.
In certain cases, the draught could be solved by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms on your double-glazed windows or doors. It is important to note that this is a temporary solution and you will have to seek out the experts in the event that the issue continues to persist.
To prevent condensation, you can put in ventilation in your doors and windows, such as extractors or air bricks. It is also recommended to allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which can be achieved with trickle vents.
