Double Glazed Window Repairs
Over time, double glazing will develop a range of issues. This could be due to broken seals, condensation between panes, or even draughts.
The good news is that many of them can be fixed without the need to replace the entire window frame. A reputable double glazing repair business will save money.
Broken Panes
Double pane windows consist of two glass panes with a layer of insulation between them. Together the gas and the double panes create an effective insulator. This allows you to reduce the use of energy to regulate temperatures at home, lowering your electric bills. They reduce outside noise, and protect your furniture and wall art from sun damage. But if one of your windows is cracked or broken your home won't be as cozy and your energy bills could rise. The good part is that you can fix the issue yourself.
Remove a broken window pane from the double-glazed window by taking off the sash. Before beginning, it's best to wear gloves and to have an enormous trash bag on hand to store the glass pieces which can shatter when handled. You'll require a deglazing tool or putty blade to cut the sealant around the window pane and on the frame. After this is done, the replacement glass unit can be affixed.
It is important to keep in mind that you can't seal a double-pane window without replacing both of the panes because the efficiency of the window will be compromised. But, it's important to remember that the glass itself can be repaired and it is recommended to get in touch with an expert as they will be familiar with the process of removing the window and reinstalling the glass panes.
Broken Seals
The window seals stop outside air from entering and the gas argon, used to keep your home warm from escape. As time passes the seal could be brittle or even crack. Keep an eye out for any indications of a damaged seal and contact the experts when you spot them.
Fog that forms between double and triple-paned windows is the most obvious sign of a damaged window seal. This is caused by a flaw in the edge seals that secure each pane of glass inside the IGU (insulated-glazing unit).
If humid air is able to get into your windows, it creates condensation and the fog is visible. While this may be a relatively minor problem but it could mean that your IGU isn't able to provide its full insulation capacity. Additionally any inert gasses that were contained within the window are now leaked out. This further reduces your window's ability to conserve energy.
A skilled window technician will examine the IGU and reseal any edges that are damaged. This is a fast and inexpensive solution, but it's only effective for a short time. If you wish to stop the fog from recurring it is necessary to have your window resealed regularly.
There are other ways to enhance the insulation of your window. Install caulk around the window frame to stop drafts and cold or hot air from the outside. Painting your windows in a light color can help reflect the heat of the sun and keep your house cooler.
If your windows are more than 15 years old and aren't showing any indications of abrasions or breaking replacing them is the best solution to improve your home's insulation. Newer windows are better at keeping warm or cool air inside and out which means you'll save on your energy bills due to not having to rely on your heating or cooling system as often. A professional window specialist will recommend the most suitable replacement windows for your home.
Condensation Between the Panes
Modern double-glazed windows are susceptible to condensation on the glass. Double glazed windows that fail to seal properly and have a warmer interior temperature than the outside air can lead to condensation. This can cause moisture to build up between the glass panes giving them a milky look or fogging. This can be extremely annoying and there are quick fixes. However, the best solution would be to employ an expert who will drill holes into the glass's outer layer and clean the windows within and install one-way air vents.
The majority of homeowners will experience condensation on the inside their double-glazed windows at one time, especially following changes like painting or plastering where the humidity is high and the surface gets damp. It is however less common to see condensation between the windows, and when this happens it's usually an indication that something is wrong with the insulated window unit.
The problem could be caused by a broken seal, however it is usually a sign that the spacer bar in between the two panes isn't functioning properly. The spacer bar is filled with desiccant. This material is highly absorbent, and it sucks any moisture out of the "air gap" between the window panes. However, this can be filled to capacity if there is the slightest imperfection in the window seal. And once it is full, condensation will begin to form on the outside of the windows.
The moisture that is left on surfaces such as windows can cause mould and rot which is not just unsightly, but also harmful to your health. If condensation remains on your windows for a prolonged time, it can eventually cause leaks and loose windows.
There are many ways to deal with condensation that forms between windows with double glazing. Open the windows for a few minutes each day to let air flow in can help reduce the humidity and stop condensation, as will using a dehumidifier. These electrical appliances are reasonably priced and are often used in bathrooms and kitchens to eliminate excess moisture.
Draughts
Draughts could indicate that your double-glazing system isn't functioning correctly. These draughts can be annoying, especially during winter. They can also cause your home to lose more heat than it actually does. You can check whether your uPVC windows have effective seals by looking for a gap within the frame or feeling for the presence of a draft.
If you feel that there is a draft coming from your window, the seals made of rubber may have failed. Seals are designed to compress and stop cold air from entering your home when the window is closed. If they don't do this is the time to have them repaired.
Broken handles on windows and doors can also cause draughts. They can't close properly and this creates gaps that let draughts in. If this is the case, it is a good idea to contact a company that specialises in repairs to double-glazed windows because they are capable of fixing these parts for you.
Over time, a double-glazed window can drop slightly and this makes it difficult to open and close them. The frame can expand or shrink due to fluctuations in temperature. upvc window repairs can try wiping the frames with cold water to see if this helps, but in most instances, it is recommended to have them repaired by professionals.
It is also a sign of a double glazing system that isn't performing in the way it is supposed to. The seals between the glass units start to fail which allows moisture to get into the window and form condensation. It is recommended to consult an expert who can replace the sealed glass unit and fix misting.
These are just some of the ways that your double glazed windows might need to be repaired. It's crucial to address these issues as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage and to reduce the cost of heating. If your double-glazing is still covered by warranty, then it's worth contacting the company who installed them to find out if they can help.