Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can be a fantastic investment for your home, however it can be frustrating when it fails to function properly. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed and you don't have to replace your windows or doors.
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes separated by a very thin gap. The gap is filled with an insulating gas like argon. This increases a window's efficiency.
Broken panes
While double-pane windows are more resistant to breaking than single-pane glass, they can still crack or shatter. If a pane is broken in your double-glazed windows, it's essential to fix it as soon as possible to avoid water and energy loss.
You can choose an immediate repair or a more extensive epoxy fix based on the degree of the crack. A temporary repair will help to keep cracks from spreading and keep out cold and rain. A more extensive repair will strengthen the crack and create the seal with a stronger one.
To replace a damaged double-pane windows, first remove the frame from the sash, and then set it on a table. Then, apply a grid of duct tape to the pane to prevent any glass pieces from falling off when you remove it. Once the tape is in place remove the double pane glass out of the frame. Next, clean the grooves and rabbet using a wire brush and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. If needed, take off the wood molding and scrape away any metal or putty before putting in the replacement pane. Apply upvc door repairs near me over the rabbet and grooves in order to ensure a secure fit.
If you're looking to fix the cracks in your window yourself, begin by sanding the rabbet until it's smooth and free of paint or gunk. Heating guns can be used to soften any putty or glazing. Once the rabbet has been cleaned then you can use a putty blade to press ropes into place. Make sure that the putty is of an even thickness, and that it presses evenly against the glass frame.
If you want a long-term solution you can choose an epoxy repair instead of a replacement. This option is more costly and requires a longer waiting time, but can be more attractive. It also lasts longer than an immediate fix.
Condensation
Condensation is among the most frequent double-glazed window issues, however it doesn't necessarily mean that your windows aren't working properly. It's good to know that your windows display condensation. This indicates that double glazing is working exactly as it is supposed to, preventing the cold and retaining the warmth.
If you notice condensation appearing on the outside of your windows, it is actually water vapor from inside of your home that has cooled and condensed on the surface of the glass. It's a natural process that isn't harmful to your windows, except if you let it sit on the surface too long.
The cause of internal condensation is usually a lack of humidity or low temperatures in the room. This causes cold surfaces, such as windows which attract moisture that is high dewpoint (the temperature at which water transforms into a liquid). Humidity is also inevitable around kitchens and bathrooms because of steam from kettles or showers as well as hot pots and pans that are used for cooking.
To avoid condensation, try not to hang wet clothes near your windows and always ensure that your uPVC frames are able to provide ample air circulation to stop the accumulation of moisture. Also, ensure that your double-glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted, with the correct gap (6mm is best) to maximize energy efficiency. You can also add one-way air vents on your windows to improve insulation. If you're still getting condensation, however, then there's probably problems with the seals or gaskets and this is something that should be handled by a professional.
Draughts
A double-glazed window that is draughty is an indication that the seal between the glass panes has failed and needs to be replaced. This can affect the insulation of your home and could result in an increase in your energy bills and therefore it is important to act quickly when you spot this problem.
Window repair services can replace your sealed unit, restoring energy efficiency to your windows. They can also replace existing frames with energy-saving features, such glass units that are filled with argon, as well as thermal spacer bars to reduce heat loss, and cut down on heating costs.
It's also worth examining the locking mechanisms of your double-glazed windows. It is common for older uPVC window lock mechanisms to stiffen with the passage of time. This is easily fixed by lubricating the locks regularly with a specialized uPVC cleaner.
Having a professional double glazing business to complete your repair work will ensure that the process is completed correctly. They will have all the tools necessary to ensure that your window is watertight, and completely resealed. They can also fix any damage to the frame so that you can enjoy your new double glazing.
Double-glazed windows last a long time and hard-wearing, but they may develop issues due to wear and tear or the weather. Call your local double-glazing repair services as soon as you notice any of these issues. You'll be grateful you did - a well-repaired double glazing installation will give your house the tangible impression of quality, and will also save you money on your energy bills!
Smudging
Double-glazed windows are made up of two separate panes with a spacer or dense gas in between. This creates an effective seal to stop heat from venting out through the frame. They are a great method to conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint of your home. However, double glazing can experience a variety of issues that could impact its performance and endurance. These include condensation, mist, and difficult to open or close.
Difficulty opening your double glazed windows could be due to the weather, or it could be due to a problem with the hinges or handles or mechanism. Cleaning them with cold water and then lubricating them can help to ease the problem, but you should contact the company you bought windows from as quickly as possible to get it fixed.
This is another common problem which can be easily fixed. Again, it's worth checking the warranty to see what, if any, repairs are covered under this.
Foggy and fogged glass can be caused by moisture in the panes and is usually a sign of faulty seals or an old double-glazing unit that needs replacing. This is a straightforward fix that can be done without the need to replace the entire window.
To fix this problem, a technician will make small holes to release any moisture that is trapped between the glass and the rest the window. Once the moisture is gone, a new anti-fog coating is applied and the window will be sealed. Sometimes, the window might need to be removed prior to this happens however most of the time it can be done from inside the home.
Mist
Mist can be a major issue for older double glazing, particularly when it is present on the exterior and the interior of the windows. This is due to a malfunction of the seal that is designed to block moisture and air between two panes. This seal is created during the production of double-glazed units by sealing both panes with an airtight seal made of polysulphide or butyl around the edges and spacer bar. This is intended to protect the window from heat and prevent the window from leaking. It can be difficult to clean misted double-glazed windows, as you need to break the seal in order to clean them.
The issue with mists is that they allow moisture to enter, which leads to condensation between the glass panes. The reason for this is that there is a big difference in temperature between the inside and exterior glass's surfaces. The moisture is trapped in the gaps, giving an appearance of milky. It can be very unsightly and it can be a pain to get rid of.
There are a number of companies that claim that they can fix your double glazed windows that are misting by drilling holes into the unit and injecting chemicals into the holes which then absorbs the moisture inside. But, this isn't an effective solution to the issue and it's much easier to replace the whole double-glazed unit in the event that you are suffering from misting.
The best method to avoid double glazing that is smudgey is by keeping a good level of ventilation and cleaning your windows regularly. It is also a good idea to use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and clean windows with an damp cloth to minimize the accumulation of moisture. If you can't avoid the issue, we suggest that you replace your double-glazed windows with A-rated windows to increase the efficiency of your energy bills.