How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to ensure that your double-glazed window frames are checked regularly, especially if they are expanding or shrinking. This can reduce the possibility of drafts.
If you find condensation between the panes it is a sign that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. The seal is able to be replaced to lessen condensation and save energy.
Cracked or broken panes
Double glazing is not indestructible. It can experience faults that can reduce the energy efficiency. Repairing double-glazing is a relatively simple process however, you'll require the right tools and knowledge to do it right. It is normally best to work with a professional firm to perform the work rather than trying it yourself.
The most common fault that affects a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. A knock or a blow from the outside can trigger this, as can attempts to open a stuck-closed window. Glass can break or crack into pieces based on its size and the force applied to crack it.
If the double-glazed window is susceptible to cracking it can be repaired by using a form of putty or a special tape. This will prevent the crack growing or becoming worse, and also stop wind, water or other elements from entering your home through cracks.
Condensation in double glazing is another frequent issue and this is often the result of a break of the window seal. It is a natural process that can occur due to varying temperatures and weather conditions, which is why it is crucial to confirm whether your windows are under warranty prior to attempting to repair them.
Typically, this will be covered by the company you bought your double glazing from, so it is important to contact them immediately and clearly explain the issue. This is best written down, rather than by text or phone. Always keep a copy.
Drilling a hole in the centre of a misted pane is an easy method to fix it yourself. A special desiccant is then inserted to absorb moisture and this will help the condensation issue to heal 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
When double glazed windows start misting up it can be a major pain and can cause significant disruption in your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's fairly easy to fix. Most of the time, the problem is caused by a failure in the seals that protect your window panes. This allows moisture enter. Poor installation, drainage issues or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer could cause this issue.
Standard sealed units comprise of two glass panes that have a hollow spacer bar inserted between them (shown in the image above). 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 are then sealed and the whole unit is injected with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if a sealed unit fails, then moisture can enter between the panes, and this can cause condensation and even mist. This could cause heat to escape from your home, which could result in a significant amount of money being lost due to energy bills.
Repairing a misted window is a challenging task that should not be attempted by a person who doesn't have a solid understanding in the construction and glazing industries. However, if you are willing to take on the challenge then it is possible to fix a sealed unit that has been misted by putting moisture-absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panes.
Keep in mind that this is a temporary fix and the condensation could return. The process will have to be repeated. It is much more efficient to replace a misted unit. It's also quicker and more clean. repairing double glazing windows will also bring back the original insulation of your home which isn't available with repair. If you are experiencing misted windows or condensation, we suggest you contact an experienced company that can provide double glazing. In the meantime, you can try making sure your windows are as dry as possible by making sure they're properly ventilated and being cleaned regularly.
Water Leaks
If they're new or old, double glazed windows must not leak. Leaking windows aren't only a nuisance but they can cause severe damage to your home including mold growth and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling costs. If you suspect that your windows are leaking call a reputable window repair service as soon as you can in order to bring the issue under control.
Window leaks are typically an indication of a problem with the seals between the panes of glass. If you see condensation between the panes, this is a sure sign that the window seal has been damaged and that moisture is seeping into the gaps between the glass's insulating. A small amount of condensation is normal. However when the issue persists and is visible on the exterior or interior of your home it is the right time to call in an expert repair service.
Another cause of leaks is the accumulation of water on the bottom frame of your window. This could be an indication of drainage holes that are blocked or flashing that is not properly installed or a sloped sill. A drainage hole that is blocked is easy to fix by using a coat hanger wire to clear the gunk. Incorrect flashing is also easy to fix using roofing caulk to fill the gaps around the frame. If the window sill is sloping to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A reputable window repair company will be able to identify the cause and provide an immediate, cost-effective solution.
Although it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to leak or break, it is much more cost-effective and efficient to hire a professional double-glazed repair service. They can bring your windows' appearance and functionality to what they were when they first were released. They can also replace hinges, handles and locks if required. A professional window repair company will also give you some form of guarantee for their work, which you would not be able to get if you tried to repair the window yourself.
It is difficult to open
If you find that your windows are getting harder to open, contact the company that sold you the windows. In the majority of cases, a simple repair can fix the problem. If the issue continues to persist then you should look at replacing your windows with more modern ones. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer modern features that keep your home safe and warm, including slimline uPVC or aluminium frames with advanced insulation that stops the heat from escape, and innovative security hardware to stop intruders from entering your home.
Condensation between the glass panes is a common indication that double glazing needs repair. This is due to a failure of the seals that separate the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the two panes of glass and be replaced by moist air. This will keep your windows in a breathable state and be energy efficient. If this isn't happening, the seals might have become damaged or simply broken down, which is something that can occur in the course of time because of weather changes or other elements.
A draught emanating from your double-glazed window another sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaking into your home. This could also result in more expensive energy bills as your heating will have to perform harder to keep the temperature of your home in a stable state.
In certain cases a draught may be fixed by lubricating the hinges, handles or mechanisms of your double-glazed doors or windows. It is crucial to remember that this is temporary solution and if the issue persists, then you'll have to contact a professional.
You can also install ventilation systems, such as air bricks, extractors or vents in your doors and windows, to help with condensation issues. You should also allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which you can achieve with trickle vents.