Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can be a fantastic investment for your home, however it can be a pain when it isn't working correctly. Most issues can be fixed and you do not have to replace windows or doors.
Double-glazed windows comprise two glass panels that are separated by a thin gap that is filled with insulating gas, such as argon or krypton. This increases a window's efficiency.
Broken panes
While double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane glass, they can still crack or shatter. When a pane becomes broken in your double-glazed windows, it's essential to repair it immediately to avoid water and energy loss.
Depending on the degree of the crack, you can choose to fix it with a temporary fix or opt for more extensive epoxy repair. A temporary repair can help stop further cracks from occurring and protect against the cold and rain. A more extensive repair will strengthen the crack and will provide the seal with a stronger one.
To replace a damaged double-pane window, first remove the frame from the sash and place it on a table. Install a grid of duct tap over the pane to stop glass fragments from falling off during removal. After the tape is removed, take the old double-pane glass from the frame. Next, clean the rabbet and grooves with a wire brush and vacuum or wipe them with a damp cloth. Remove the wood moldings if necessary and scrape off any putty or metal glazing points prior to putting in the new pane. Apply silicone caulk to the rabbets and grooves in order to ensure a snug fit.
If you're looking to fix the cracks in your window yourself, begin by sanding the rabbet until it's smooth and clear of gunk or paint. The use of heat guns is to soften any putty or glazing points. After the rabbet is cleaned then you can use a putty knife to force the rope into position. Make sure the putty is uniform in thickness and is pressed against the glass and the frame evenly.
If you're looking for a longer-term fix the repair of an epoxy is a better choice over replacing. This option requires more work and a longer time to wait however it is more appealing and last longer than a short-term repair.
Condensation
Condensation is among the most frequent double-glazed window issues, but it doesn't necessarily mean that your windows are defective. The fact that your windows show condensation is a good indication that your double glazing is doing what it's supposed do, keeping cold out and letting the warmth in.
It is actually water vapour from your home that forms a layer on the glass's surface when you observe condensation. It's a natural process and isn't going to cause any damage to your windows unless you allow it sit on the surface for a long time.
Internal condensation is often caused by high humidity in the room or low internal temperatures, causing cold surfaces such as windows to draw moisture from air that has a high dew point (the temperature at which water transforms back into a liquid). The steam from kettles, showers and hot pots and the cooking pans can also cause a lot of humidity around bathrooms and kitchens.
Do not hang wet clothes close to windows, and make sure your uPVC frames are ventilated to avoid moisture buildup. You should also ensure that your double glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted with the right gap (6mm is the ideal) for optimum energy efficiency. You can also try adding one-way air vents to your windows to improve insulation. If you're still seeing condensation, there's a problem with your gaskets or seals. This is a job best left to a professional.
Draughts
A window that isn't draughty is an indication that the seal between the glass panes of your double-glazing has started to leak, and it's likely to require replacement. upvc sill repair can affect the insulation of your home and result in an increase in your energy bills, so it's important to act fast when you spot this issue.
A window repair service will replace the sealed unit for you, restoring the efficiency of your windows. They can also upgrade your existing frames to include new energy efficient features, such as gas-filled argon glass units that have thermal spacer bars. This will reduce heat loss and lower your heating costs.
It is also worth checking the locking mechanisms on your double-glazed windows. It's common for older uPVC window lock mechanisms to become stiff as they the passage of time. This can be easily fixed by regularly lubricating the locks with a specialist uPVC cleaner.
A professional double glazing business can ensure that your repair is done properly. They will have all the tools required to ensure that your window is watertight, and completely resealed. They can also repair any damage to the frame so you can take advantage of your new double glazing.
Double-glazed windows last a long time and durable, however they can sometimes develop problems as a result of wear and tear or weather. Call your local double-glazing repair service immediately if you notice any of these issues. You'll be grateful you did it - a double glazing installation that's well-repaired will give your home an immediate sense of quality and save your energy costs!
Smudging
Double-glazed windows consist of two separate panes, with an air spacer or dense gas between them to create an effective seal that stops heating from entering the frame. They're an excellent choice for saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Double glazing can be plagued by several issues that can impact its performance and lifespan. These include condensation, mist, and being difficult to open or close.
The difficulty in opening your double-glazed windows could be due to the weather or it could be a problem with the hinges or handles or mechanism. Wiping them down with cold water and then lubricating them may help ease the problem, but you must contact the company that you purchased windows from as quickly as you can to get it repaired.
This is another issue that is easily fixable. It is always worth checking your warranty to see whether there are any repairs covered.
Foggy and fogged glass can be caused by moisture between the panes. It's typically the result of seals that are not working or a double-glazing system that requires replacement. It's a fairly simple fix and you'll often complete the task without having to replace the entire window, which can save you money.
To address this issue technicians will make small holes to let out any moisture between the glass and the rest the window. After the moisture has gone the new anti-fog coating is applied and the window will be sealed. Sometimes the window will need to be taken off but, in most cases, it can be done from within the home.
Mist
Mist can be a major issue for older double glazing, particularly when it is present on the inside and outside of the windows. It is due to a failure in the seal designed to keep air and moisture between the two panes. When making double-glazed units this seal is created by sealing both panes with an airtight polysulphide or butyl seal around the edges of the glass and a spacer bar. This is designed to create insulation and prevent the window from leaks. It isn't easy to clean misted double-glazed windows, as you need to break the seal in order to clean them.
The problem with mists is that they allow moisture to penetrate, which leads to condensation between the glass panes. This is due to an enormous temperature difference between the external and internal surfaces of the glass. The water is then absorbed within the spaces and gives a milky white appearance. This can be very unsightly and difficult to get rid of.
There are a number of companies who claim to be able to repair your double-glazed windows that are misting by drilling holes into the unit and injecting chemicals through the holes, which absorbs the moisture within. However, this isn't an end-to-end solution to the problem and it's much easier to replace the entire double-glazed unit if experiencing misting.
It is recommended to keep your windows clean and well-ventilated regularly. Use extractor fans to reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates in kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe down windows with a wet cloth to avoid this. If you're not able to avoid the issue completely, we recommend replacing your double-glazed units with A-rated units to increase energy efficiency.