How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It's a good idea to have your double-glazed windows inspected regularly, especially if you observe that the frames are expanding or contracting. This will reduce the risk of drafts.
If you notice condensation between the panes it is a sign that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only reduce condensation, but also reduce energy costs.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing isn't indestructible and faults can occur which can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double glazing is a easy process, however the right tools and knowledge are required to perform top-quality repairs. It is usually best to employ a professional do the work, rather than try to do it yourself.
The most common issue that affects a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. This could be a result of a blow or knock to the frame from outside, or from an attempt to open the window that is closed. The glass could crack or break into small pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force that is applied to it.
If the double-glazed window is susceptible to cracking it can be repaired by using a form of putty or special tape. This will prevent the crack growing or becoming worse, and will prevent the elements of wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Condensation of double glazing is another common problem and is usually the result of a break of the window seal. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, therefore it is crucial to confirm that your windows are still in warranty before you attempt to repair them.
This will usually be covered by the company that supplied you with your double glazing, so it is important to contact them immediately and explain the problem clearly. It is best to do this in writing rather than by text or phone Keep the copy of your correspondence.
If you're looking to try and repair a misted window yourself, a typical procedure is to drill an opening in the centre of the damaged pane. A desiccant that is specially designed is inserted to absorb any moisture which can aid in helping the condensation issue to get rid of itself. This is a temporary fix and it is recommended you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as is possible.
Misty Panes
If double-glazed windows begin getting misty, it can be a major trouble and can cause major disruptions to your home. If you can pinpoint the issue it's fairly easy to fix. In the majority of cases the problem is caused by a flaw in the seals which separate the window panes. This allows moisture enter. This could be due to inadequate installation, drainage issues or even defective seals from the window manufacturer.
Standard sealed units are made up of two glass panes sandwiched with an open spacer (shown above). The surface of the spacer bar has been perforated, and the spacer bars are filled with desiccant to suck up any moisture. The two glass panes then are joined and the entire unit is 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 can create condensation and mist. This can also result in heat escaping from your property, which could result in a substantial amount of money being lost due to energy bills.
Unfortunately, repairing double glazing windows that have been double glazing repairs leicester misted can be a little tricky and isn't something that should be attempted by anyone without an extensive understanding of the construction industry. If you are willing to take on the challenge, it is possible to repair the misted seal of a window by introducing a moisture-absorbing desiccant in the space between the glass panels.
Keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix and the condensation could occur again. The process will have to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace the misted glass and it will also be much more hygienic and faster. A replacement will bring back the original insulation of your property it is not possible through a repair. If you're experiencing misty windows or condensation, we suggest you contact an experienced company that can provide double glazing. In the meantime, you can try keeping your windows as dry as you can by making sure they're properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows should not leak, whether they are new or old. Leaking windows aren't just an inconvenience, but they can cause serious damage to your home. This includes mold growth and structural damage as well as increased heating and cooling bills. Contact a professional window company as soon as you suspect that there is a issue.
Window leaks could be an indication that the seals between glass panes are not working correctly. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass, it is a sign that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. The moisture is now leaking through the insulation space between the two panes. A small amount of condensation is normal. However, if the problem persists and appears on your home's exterior or interior it is the right time to call an expert repair service.
Another reason for leaks is that water collects on the bottom of the frame of your window. This could be a sign of drain holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed or a sloped sill. A drainage hole that is blocked is easy to fix by using a wire coat hanger to clean out the gunk. Flashing that isn't properly installed is also simple to fix by using roofing caulk to fill the gaps in the frame. If the window sill slopes to one side it may be due to an improper pitch. A professional window repair service will be able to determine the root of the problem and offer an immediate, cost-effective solution.
While it is not unusual for old UPVC windows to break or leak however, it is more efficient and cost-effective to seek out a professional double-glazed repair service. They can restore the look and functionality of your windows to the way they were when they were new. They can even replace handles, hinges and locks if required. A professional window repair service will also offer a type of warranty for their work, which you will not be able to get if you tried to fix the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
If you notice that your windows are becoming difficult to open, you should get in touch with the company from which you bought windows. In most cases the issue is fixable with an easy fix. If the problem persists it is possible to consider replacing your old windows with more modern ones. Double-glazed windows with modern designs offer the latest technology to keep your home warm and secure, including slimline uPVC frames made of aluminium, advanced insulation to stop the heat from escape, and innovative security hardware to stop intruders from entering your home.
Condensation between the glass panes is another common sign that double glazing requires repair. This is due to an issue with the seals between the two panes. Inert gases are supposed to escape between the panes of glass and then be replaced by humid air. This keeps your windows in a breathable state and be energy efficient. If this isn't happening the seals may have deteriorated or simply broken down in some way, which may happen in the course of time because of weather changes or other elements.
A draught coming from the double-glazed windows is also a common sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaked into your home. This can also lead to more expensive energy bills as your heating will have to work harder to keep the temperature in your home stable.
In certain cases, the draught could be solved by lubricating hinges, handles or mechanisms on double-glazed doors or windows. But, it is important to remember that this is only temporary solution and if the issue persists, you'll need to seek out the experts.
You can also put in ventilation systems, such as extractors, air bricks, 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 by using trickle vents.