How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea have your double-glazed windows checked frequently, particularly if you observe that the frames are expanding or contracting. This can reduce the chance of draughts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and must be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation but will also reduce energy costs.
Broken or cracked Panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and faults can occur which could reduce the efficiency of energy-efficient windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing can be an simple task, but you will require the right tools and expertise to complete it properly. It is recommended to hire a professional company to do the work rather than trying it yourself.
A broken or cracked window is the most frequent issue with double-glazed windows. A blow or knock from the outside can cause this, as can an attempt to open a window that is closed. The glass could break or crack into smaller pieces, based on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
If windows with double glazing are susceptible to cracking, it can be repaired by using a form of putty or tape. This will stop the crack from extending or getting worse. It will stop any water, wind or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another common problem is condensation in double glazing. This is typically caused by a damaged window seal. It is a normal occurrence that is caused by temperature and weather changes. Before you attempt to repair your windows, you should determine if they are covered by warranty.
This is usually covered by the company who sold you your double glazing, therefore it's essential to contact them quickly and explain the problem clearly. It is best to address this in writing, rather than by phone or text message and keep an original copy of the correspondence.
If you're looking to try and fix a damaged or misted window yourself, a common method involves drilling a hole into the centre of the damaged pane. A special desiccant is inserted 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 that you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as is possible.
Misted Panes
Double-glazed windows that fog up can be a real troublesome issue that can cause major disruptions to your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's easy to fix. Most of the time, the root of the issue is a failure of the seals between the window panes, which allows moisture to enter. Poor installation, drainage issues or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer could cause this issue.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes sandwiched with an open spacer (shown above). The inside of this bar is perforated, and the bars are filled with a desiccant that is used to absorb any moisture that comes into the unit. The two glass panes then are sealed and the whole unit is injected with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the seal fails, moisture could get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This could also cause heat to escape your property, which could result in a substantial amount of money lost on energy bills.
Repairing a window that has been misted is a challenging task that shouldn't be attempted by anyone who doesn't have extensive knowledge of the construction and glazing industries. However, if you are willing to tackle the challenge, it's possible to fix the misted seal by adding moisture absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panes.
Be aware, however, that this is only temporary solution, and the condensation will likely return, and the process might need to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace a misted glass unit and it's more efficient and cleaner. A replacement will bring back the original insulation to your property, which is not possible with a repair. If you're experiencing misty windows or condensation, we suggest contacting an established company that provides double glazing. While you wait, make sure that your windows as clean and dry as you can.
Water Leaks
If they're new or old, double-glazed windows should not leak. Leaking repair double glazing window are not only an inconvenience, but they could cause serious damage to your home including mold growth and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling costs. Contact a professional window service as soon as you suspect that there is a problem.
Window leaks are typically an indication of a problem with the seals between panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the panes it's a sure sign that the window seal has been damaged and that moisture is getting into the gaps between the glass's insulating. A small amount of condensation is normal. However when the issue persists and is evident on your home's interior or exterior then it's time to call a repair service.
Water collecting at the bottom of your window frame is another common reason for leaks. This could be a sign of drain holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed or a sloped sill. It is easy to clear a clogged drainage hole by using a coat hanger. Flashing that isn't properly installed is also simple to fix using roofing caulk to fill the gaps in the frame. If the window sill is sloping to one side, it could be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service will determine the root of the problem and provide an affordable and quick solution.
While it is not uncommon for old UPVC windows to fail or leak but it is more efficient and cost-effective to seek out a professional double-glazed repair service. They can bring your windows' appearance and functionality to what they were when they first were introduced. They can even replace handles, hinges and locks if necessary. A professional window repair service will also give you some form of guarantee for their work, which you will not get if you attempted to fix the window yourself.
Difficulty to Open
If you find that your windows are getting harder to open, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. In the majority of cases, the problem can be solved by an easy fix. If the issue continues to persist, 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, advanced insulation to stop the heat from escape, and innovative security equipment to keep out intruders.
Another indication that your double glazing requires repairs is condensation that forms between the glass panes. This is caused by an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are designed to escape between the panes of glass and be replaced by moist air. This keeps your windows airtight and energy efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals may have deteriorated or simply broken down in some way, which may happen over time as a result of weather changes or other elements.
A draft that is coming from a double-glazed window could also indicate that the seals are failing, which means that cold air is getting into your home. This could also result in higher energy costs, since your heating system will need to be more efficient to keep the temperature of your home steady.
In certain cases, a draught can be fixed by lubricating hinges, handles or mechanisms on double-glazed doors or windows. It is crucial to keep in mind that this is only temporary fix. If the problem persists, you'll need to contact a professional.
You can also add ventilation devices, like extractors, air bricks, or vents in your doors and windows to alleviate condensation issues. You should also allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which is possible through trickle vents.