How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to ensure that your double-glazed window frames are regularly inspected, especially when they are expanding or shrinking. This will reduce the chance of drafts.
If you find condensation in between the panes, this is an indication that the seal is failing and needs to be replaced. Replacing the seal will not only help to reduce condensation but will also reduce energy costs.
Cracked or Broken Panes
Double glazing is not impervious to damage and there are a few issues that could reduce the energy efficiency of the windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing can be an simple task however, you'll require the right tools and expertise to complete it right. It is recommended to use a professional firm to complete the task instead of attempting it yourself.
The most common issue that affects a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. A blow or knock from the outside can trigger this, as could an attempt to open a closed window that is stuck. The glass might break or crack into smaller pieces, depending on the size of the crack and the force applied to it.
If a double-glazed window is prone to cracking, it can be repaired with a specific type of putty or a special tape. This will stop the crack from extending or getting worse, and also stop the elements of wind, water or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is condensation in double glazing. It is usually caused by a damaged window seal. It is a natural occurrence that occurs due to different temperatures and weather conditions, so it is important to check that your windows are still under warranty prior to attempting to fix them.
This will usually be covered by the company who sold you your double glazing, so it is important to contact them quickly and explain the problem clearly. This should be done in writing instead of by phone or text. Always keep an original copy.
If you want to try and fix a window that has become misty yourself, a common method is to drill through the middle of the affected window. A desiccant that is specially designed is placed in the hole to absorb moisture and this will help 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.
Misted Panes
When double glazed windows start getting misty, it can be a real pain and can cause significant disruption in your home. However, it is relatively easy to resolve the issue after you have figured out what's causing it. Most of the time the issue is caused by a failure in the seals which separate the window panes. This allows moisture to enter. Poor installation, drainage issues or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer could cause this issue.
Standard sealed units comprise 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 will then be bonded together and the whole unit will be filled with gas to increase its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine if the sealed unit fails, moisture could get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This could cause heat to escape your home, which could result in a significant amount of money lost on energy bills.
Repairing a misted glass is a difficult task that shouldn't be attempted by someone who isn't well-versed in the construction and glazing industries. If you're willing to take on the challenge, it's possible to fix the misted seal of a window by introducing a moisture-absorbing desiccant in the space between the glass panels.
Be aware that this is a temporary fix and the condensation may occur again. The process will have to be repeated. It's much more efficient to replace an affected unit. It's also cleaner and faster. A replacement will bring back the original insulation of your property, which is not possible by repairing. We recommend contacting with a reputable double-glazing company if you're struggling with condensation and misty windows. In the meantime, you can try making sure your windows are as dry as they can by ensuring that they are properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows shouldn't leak, no matter if they are old or new. Leaking Windows are not just a nuisance, but can also cause serious damage to your home. This can include the growth of mold, structural damage, and the cost of heating and cooling. If you suspect that your windows are leaking you should contact a professional window repair service as soon as possible to get the issue under control.
Window leaks are usually indications of a problem with the seals between the panes of glass. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass it's an indication that the seal between the two panes is deteriorating. Moisture is now flowing through the insulation space between the two panes. A little condensation is perfectly normal. However should repairs to double glazing windows persist and appears on your home's exterior or interior, it is time to call in a repair service.
Another cause of leaks is water collecting 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 clogged can be easily fixed by using a coat hanger made of wire 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. A faulty pitch could be the cause of the window sill sloping to one side. A professional window repair service will identify the cause of the problem and provide an affordable and quick solution.
It is not uncommon for UPVC windows that are older to break or leak. However, it is more cost-effective and efficient to hire a double glazing repair service. They can bring back the appearance and function of your windows to how they were when they were new. They can even replace hinges, handles, and locks if required. Professional window repair companies will offer you a guarantee for their work. You would not get this if you were to fix the windows yourself.
It is difficult to open
If you notice that your windows are getting difficult to open, it is best to get in touch with the company from which you purchased windows. In the majority of cases, a simple fix can fix the problem. If the issue persists, you may want to think about replacing your windows with more modern ones. Double-glazed windows are available with state-of-the-art features that will keep your home warm and secure, such as slimline uPVC or aluminium frames and advanced insulation to prevent the heat from escape, and innovative security hardware to stop intruders from entering your home.
Condensation between glass panes is another indication that double glazing needs repair. This is due to a failure of the seals that separate the two panes. Inert gas is supposed get into the glass and replace it with moist air to ensure that your windows are well-insulated and thermally efficient. If this doesn't happen, the seals could have been damaged over time due to weather conditions or other factors.
A draft coming from your double-glazed window is another sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaking into your home. This can also lead to higher energy bills, as your heating will have to perform harder to keep the temperature inside your home steady.
In some cases a draught may be fixed by lubricating the hinges or handles on windows or doors that are double-glazed. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is only temporary solution and if the issue persists, then you'll need to call in the experts.
You can also put in ventilation devices, like extractors, air bricks or vents in your windows and doors to assist with the issue of condensation. It is also recommended to allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which you can achieve by using trickle vents.