14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Double Glazed Repair
How to Deal With Double Glazed Repair
It is recommended to make sure that your double-glazed window frames checked regularly, especially when they are shrinking or expanding. This will decrease the risk of drafts.
If you notice condensation between the glass panes, the seal may be failing and must be replaced. The seal can be replaced to decrease condensation and help save energy.
Broken or cracked panes
Double glazing isn't indestructible and it is possible for faults to occur that can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Repairing double-glazing is an simple process, but you will require the right tools and knowledge to do it correctly. It is recommended to hire a professional company to perform the work instead of attempting it yourself.
The most common fault that affects a double-glazed window is a broken or cracked pane. A knock or blow from the outside can trigger this, as can the attempt to open a window that is closed. Glass can crack or break into pieces depending on its size and the force used to break it.
You can repair double-glazed glass susceptible to cracking using a special tape or putty. This will stop the crack from extending or getting worse. It will stop any water, wind or other elements from entering your home through the cracks.
Condensation in double-glazed windows is a different issue that is common and is often the result of a breakdown of the window seal. It is a normal occurrence that happens due to temperatures and weather conditions. Before attempting to repair your windows, you should see if they are still covered by warranty.
Typically, this will be covered by the company you bought the double glazing from. Therefore, it is important to contact them quickly and explain the issue clearly. It is best to address this in writing rather than via text message or phone and keep an original copy of the correspondence.
If you're looking to try and repair a misted window yourself, a common method is to drill through the middle of the affected pane. A desiccant that is specially designed is placed in the hole to absorb any moisture which can aid in helping the condensation issue to get rid of itself. This is a temporary solution and it is recommended you replace your double-glazed units with new ones as soon as possible.
Misty Panes
When double-glazed windows start misting up it can be a real pain and can cause significant disruptions to your home. Once you identify the cause it's easy to fix. In most cases the cause of the problem is a defect in the seals between the window panes that allow moisture to enter. Poor installation or drainage issues, or even damaged seals made by the window manufacturer can cause this problem.
Standard sealed units consist two glass panes that are sandwiched by an open spacer (shown above). The inner surface of the spacer bar is perforated and the spacer bars are filled with desiccant to absorb any moisture. The two glass panes then are sealed and the whole unit is injected with gas to improve its thermal efficiency.
As you can imagine, if the seal fails, moisture could get in between the panes and cause condensation and mist. This can also cause heat to escape from your property, which can result in a substantial amount of money lost on energy bills.
Repairing a misted window is a tricky job that should not be attempted by anyone who isn't well-versed in the glazing and construction industries. However, if you are willing to tackle the challenge then it is possible to fix a misted sealed unit by adding moisture absorbing desiccant to the gap between the glass panes.
Be aware that this is a temporary fix, and the condensation could return. The process will have to be repeated. It's far more effective to replace the misted glass and will be more efficient and cleaner. A replacement will restore the original insulation to your property it is not possible by repairing. If you are experiencing misted windows and condensation, we recommend contacting an established company that provides double glazing. In the meantime, consider keeping your windows as dry as you can by making sure they're properly ventilated and cleaning them regularly.
Water Leaks
Double-glazed windows should not leak, regardless of whether they're old or new. Leaking windows are not only a nuisance but they can cause serious damage to your home such as mold growth and structural damage, as well as increased heating and cooling expenses. Contact a professional window company as soon you suspect a problem.
Window leaks are usually an indication of a problem with the seals between panes of glass. If you see condensation between the panes it's a sure sign that your window seal has deteriorated and that water is leaking into the gaps between the glass's insulating. Although a small amount of condensation is normal, if it is persistent and is visible on the interior or exterior of your home, it's time to call an repair service.
Another common cause of leaks is water collecting on the bottom frame of your window. This can be an indication of drain holes that are blocked or flashing that isn't properly installed or an uneven sill. It is easy to clear a clogged drain hole using a coat hanger. Improper flashing is also easy to fix by using roofing caulk to fill the gaps around the frame. A misplaced pitch could be the cause of an inclined window sill to one side. A reputable window repair company will be able to identify the reason and provide an efficient, quick and cost-effective solution.
It is not unusual for UPVC windows that are older to break or leak. However, it is more cost-effective and efficient to use an expert to repair your double glazing. They can restore the appearance and functionality of your windows to what they were like when they were new. They can also replace handles, hinges and locks, if needed. A reputable window repair service will also offer a kind of guarantee for their work, which you will not receive if you tried to repair the window yourself.
The difficulty of opening
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 them. In the majority of cases, a simple repair can resolve the issue. If double glazing repairs continues to persist then you should look at replacing your windows with more modern. New double glazed windows offer the latest technology to keep your home warm and secure, including slimline uPVC or aluminium frames with advanced insulation that stops heat from escaping, as well as sophisticated security hardware that keep out intruders.
Condensation between the glass panes is a common indication that double glazing requires repair. This is caused by a failure of the seals that connect the two panes. Inert gas is supposed to get into the glass and replace it with moist air to ensure that your windows are airtight and thermally efficient. If this isn't happening the seals might have become damaged or broken in some way, which may happen over time as a result of weather changes or other causes.
A draught coming from the double-glazed windows is also a common sign that the seals have failed, which means that cold air is leaking into your home. This can also result in higher energy bills as your heating system will have to work harder to keep the temperature in your home.
In certain situations a draught may be fixed by lubricating hinges, handles or mechanisms of windows or doors that are double-glazed. However, it is important to remember that this is only temporary fix. If the issue persists, you'll need to seek out the experts.
To reduce condensation, consider installing ventilation in your windows and doors for reducing condensation, such as extractors or air bricks. It is also recommended to allow double-glazed doors and windows to breathe, which can be achieved through trickle vents.