Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can be a great investment, but frustrating when it fails to perform. Most issues can be fixed and you don't have to replace windows or doors.
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes that are separated by a small gap. The gap is filled with an insulating gas such as the gas argon. This makes windows more efficient.
Broken panes
Double-paned windows are less likely to break than single panes of glass however, they may still break or break. It's important to fix the broken pane of double glazing as soon as possible in order to avoid the loss of energy and moisture.
Depending on the extent of the crack you can choose to make a temporary fix or go for an intensive epoxy repair. A temporary repair can help prevent further cracking and can protect against the cold and rain. A more extensive repair could reinforce the crack and create an improved seal.
To replace a double-pane damaged window, remove the frame and place it on a flat surface. Then, place a grid of duct tape over the pane to keep any glass pieces from falling off during removal. Once the tape has been applied, remove the old double-pane glass out of the frame. Next clean the grooves and rabbet using a wire brush, vacuum or wipe them with a damp cloth. Remove the wood molding if needed and scrape off all metal glazing points prior to installing the new pane. Apply silicone caulk to the rabbets and grooves to ensure a snug fit.
If you're planning to repair the cracks in your window yourself, begin by sanding the rabbet until it's smooth and clear of paint or gunk. The use of heat guns is to soften any putty or glazing points. Once the rabbet has been cleaned and dried, you can use a blade for a putty to force a rope into place. Make sure that the putty has a uniform thickness, and that it presses evenly against the glass and frame.
If you are looking for an option that lasts for a long time you can choose an epoxy repair instead of replacing. This requires more work and a longer wait time but it's more attractive and will last much longer than a temporary repair.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most frequently encountered double-glazed window issues, but it doesn't necessarily mean your windows aren't working properly. It's good to know that your windows display condensation. This means that the double glazing is functioning exactly as it is supposed to, preventing the cold and retaining the heat.
It is actually water vapour from your home that forms a layer on the surface of your glass when you observe condensation. It's a natural phenomenon that won't cause harm to your windows, in the event that you don't leave it on the glass for long enough.
Internal condensation is often caused by high humidity in the room or the low internal temperatures, which causes cold surfaces such as windows to draw moisture from air with high dew points (the temperature at which water transforms back into liquid). The steam from kettles, showers and hot pots as well as cookers can also create humidity in kitchens and bathrooms.
Avoid hanging wet clothes near windows and make sure your uPVC frames are properly ventilated to avoid moisture buildup. Also, ensure that your double glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted with the proper gap (6mm is best) to ensure maximum energy efficiency. You can also install air vents that are one-way on your windows to improve insulation. If you're still getting condensation, however, then there's problems with the gaskets or seals and this is a job for a professional.
Draughts
A draughty double-glazed window is an indication that the seal between your glass panes is broken and will require to be replaced. This can affect the insulation of your home and result in an increase in energy bills, so it's important to act quickly when you spot this issue.
Window repair services will replace your sealed unit, restoring efficiency to your windows. They can also upgrade your existing frames to include new energy efficient features, such as argon gas filled glass units with thermal spacer bars, which will reduce the loss of heat and reduce your heating costs.
It is also worth checking the locking mechanisms of your double-glazed windows. Older uPVC window locks are notorious for becoming stiff over time, but it's easy to fix this by lubricating them regularly with a specialized uPVC cleaning product.
Having a professional double glazing business to complete repairs will ensure that the process is completed correctly. They'll have all the tools necessary to ensure that your window is watertight and fully resealed. They can also fix any damage to the frame so that you can enjoy your new double-glazed window.
Double-glazed windows last a long time and durable, but they may experience issues because of wear and tear or the weather. If you spot any of the above problems make contact with your local double glazing repair service immediately to get them fixed as soon as you can. You'll be glad that you did. A well-maintained double glazing installation will give your home that tangible sense of quality and will also help you save money on your energy bills!
Smudging
Double-glazed windows comprise two panes that have an air spacer or dense gas between them to create an effective seal that stops heating from entering the frame. They're an excellent option for saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint of your home. However, double glazing may have a range of issues that could impact its performance and durability. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk includes condensation, fog and difficulties to close or open.
Inability to open your double-glazed windows could be caused by the weather or it could be a problem with the hinges or handles or mechanism. It is possible to solve the issue by wiping down and lubricating the windows with cold water. Contact the company that provided you with the windows as soon as you can get them fixed.
If your doors or windows have become sagging or dropped over time, this is a common issue that can be fixed by a trained professional. It is always worth checking your warranty to determine if there are any repairs covered.
Fogged or foggy glass can be caused by moisture in the panes. It's typically a sign that the seals aren't working properly or that your double-glazing unit needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be done without having to replace the whole window.
To address this issue, a technician will make small holes to let out any moisture that is trapped between the glass and the rest the window. Once the moisture is removed the new antifog coating is put on and the window is sealed. Occasionally, the window may need to be removed prior to this happens, but the majority of the time, it can be carried out from inside the home.
Mist
Double glazing that is older may have a mist issue, especially when it happens both within and outside the window. This is due to a failure of the seal that is designed to keep moisture and air between two panes. This seal is created during the manufacturing of double-glazed units by sealing the two panes using an airtight polysulphide or butyl seal around the edges and spacer bar. This seal is designed to keep the window from leaking and to provide insulation. If you have misted double-glazed windows it can be difficult to take off and clean, since you'll have to break through the hardened seal to clean.
The issue with mist is that it allows moisture to get in, which then results in condensation between the panes of glass. This is because there is huge differences in temperature between the external and internal surfaces of the glass. The moisture is encased within the gaps, resulting in an appearance of milky. This can be very unattractive and difficult to remove.
Some firms claim to be able to repair misting double-glazed windows through drilling holes in the unit and injecting chemicals through the holes that absorb moisture from the inside. It's not a permanent fix and it's more cost-effective to replace the entire double-glazed unit.
The easiest way to prevent misty double glazing is maintaining a high level of ventilation and regularly cleaning your windows. It is also an excellent idea to install extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and wipe down windows with a damp cloth to reduce the accumulation of moisture. If you're unable to prevent the issue, we suggest replacing windows that are double-glazed with A-rated windows to increase the efficiency of your energy bills.