Double Glazed Window Repairs
Double glazing can be a fantastic investment for your home, however it can be a hassle if it doesn't work properly. Most issues can be fixed and you do not have to replace windows or doors.
Double glazed windows consist of two glass panels that are separated by a very thin gap, which is filled with insulating gas such as argon or krypton. This increases the efficiency of a window's heating.
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 glazing, it's crucial to fix it as soon as possible to avoid moisture and energy losses.
You can opt for an immediate repair or a more intense epoxy fix based on the extent of your crack. A temporary repair will help to keep cracks from spreading and protect against the cold and rain. A more extensive repair will strengthen the crack, and create an even stronger seal.
To replace a broken double-pane window, take the frame off and place it on an even surface. Install a grid of duct tap over the pane in order to stop glass fragments from falling during removal. Once the tape has been removed, take the old double-pane glass from the frame. Then, use a wirebrush to clean the grooves and rabbets. You can also vacuum or wipe them with a damp cloth. Remove the wood molding if needed and scrape off any putty or metal glazing points prior to installing the new pane. Finally, apply a silicone caulk to the rabbet and grooves in order to ensure that the fit is secure.
If you're fixing a damaged glass by yourself, begin by sanding the glass until it's smooth and free of paint. Heat guns can be used to soften any putty or glazing points. Once the rabbet has been cleaned, you can use a blade for a putty to press ropes into place. Make sure that the putty has a uniform thickness, and that it presses evenly against the glass and frame.
If you want a long-term solution, you can opt for an epoxy repair instead of replacing. This option requires more work and a longer time to wait however it is more attractive and will last much longer than a short-term repair.
Condensation
Condensation can be a common issue with double-glazed windows however that doesn't mean they're defective. The fact that your windows show condensation is a good sign because it means that your double glazing is doing what it's supposed to keep the cold out and letting the warmth in.
If you notice condensation appearing on the outside of your windows, it is actually water vapor from inside of your home that has been cooled and condensed on the surface of the glass. It's quite a natural phenomenon and it's not something that's likely to cause any damage to your windows unless you allow it sit on the glass for a long time.
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 humidity is also a common occurrence in kitchens and bathrooms due to steam from kettles or showers and hot pots and pans that are used for cooking.
Do not hang wet clothes close to windows, and make sure your uPVC frames are properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. You should also make sure that your double-glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted, with the correct gap (6mm is best) for optimum energy efficiency. You can also install one-way air vents to your windows to increase the insulation. If you're still experiencing condensation,, then there's a problem with gaskets or seals and this is definitely an issue that requires the expertise of a professional.
Draughts
A window that is drafty is a sign that the seal between the glass panes of your double-glazing has sprung a leak, and is likely to require replacement. This can affect the insulation of your home and increase the cost of energy.
A window repair service will replace the sealed unit for you, and restore the effectiveness of your windows. They can also upgrade your existing frames with energy-saving features, such glass units that are filled with argon, as well as thermal spacer bars that reduce heat loss and cut down on heating costs.
It is also worth checking the locking mechanisms of your double-glazed windows. Older uPVC window locks are notorious for becoming stiff after a while however it's easy to fix this by applying regular oiling with a specialized uPVC cleaning product.
A professional double glazing company perform the repair will ensure that the process is completed correctly. They'll have all the tools required to ensure that your window is watertight, and completely resealed. They can also fix any damage to the frame so that you can take advantage of your new double glazing.
Double-glazed windows are strong and long-lasting, however they can develop issues because of weather or wear and tear. Contact your local double-glazing repair services whenever you discover any of these problems. You'll be glad you did it - a double glazing installation that's repaired properly will give your home a an immediate sense of quality, and will also save your energy costs!
Smudging
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two separate panes with the spacer or gas between. This creates a strong seal that stops heat from escaping through the frame. They are a great method to save energy and decrease the carbon footprint of your home. Double glazing can be plagued by a number of problems that could affect its performance and longevity. These include condensation, mist, and being difficult to open or close.
Inability to open 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 alleviate the issue, but you should contact the manufacturer that you purchased your windows from as soon as you can to get it repaired.
This is a common issue that is easily fixable. It is a good idea to check your warranty to determine if there are any repairs covered.
Fogged or foggy glass could be caused by moisture between the panes and is usually the result of seals that are not working or an old double-glazing unit that needs replacing. It's a fairly simple fix and you'll often get it done without having to replace the entire window, which can save you money.
To correct this issue technicians will drill tiny holes to let out any moisture that is trapped between the glass panes and the rest of the window. When the moisture is gone, a new anti-fog coating is applied and the window sealed. Sometimes the window will need to be taken off, but in most instances, it is done at home.
Mist
Double glazing that has been in use for a long time may have a mist issue particularly if it occurs both in and out of the window. This is due to a failure of the seal designed to block air and moisture between the two panes. The seal is made when making double-glazed units by sealing both panes with an airtight polysulphide seal or butyl seal around the edges and spacer bar. This is designed to provide insulation and keep the window from leaking. It isn't easy to clean windows with mist because you have to break the seal in order to clean them.
The issue with mist is that it lets moisture to enter, which ultimately causes condensation between the glass panes. The reason is that there is a huge difference in temperature between the inside and exterior surfaces of the glass. The moisture gets trapped in the spaces, creating the appearance of milky. This can be very unsightly and is difficult to get rid of.
T here are many companies that claim that they can fix your double glazed windows that are misting by drilling holes into the unit and injecting chemicals through the holes. Then, they absorb the moisture within. But, this isn't an effective solution to the issue and it is much more efficient to replace the whole double-glazed unit if suffering from misting.
The best method to avoid misty double glazing is making sure you have adequate ventilation and cleaning your windows regularly. It's also a good idea to use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and wipe windows with a damp cloth to reduce the accumulation of moisture. If you're unable to eliminate the problem completely We recommend replacing your double-glazed units with new A-rated ones to boost energy efficiency.