Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but it can also cause a variety of nagging problems over time. These include draughts condensation between panes and fogging.
Many of these problems can be easily fixed by professionals. This allows the window to breathe and improve the thermal performance of your home.
Draughts
No matter if you have uPVC aluminium or timber double glazing, problems with it will develop over time. Often they are minor irritations like windows or doors that are stuck or have a lock issue, handle issues or misted glass, but they can be more severe like a window that is leaky that isn't closing or a broken seal. Some of them can be repaired at home, for instance the case of a window or door that is stuck. Others require the expertise of a specialist and might require replacement.
Many of these small problems are caused by a build-up condensation that can cause gaps between frames to show up. This can cause cold air to get into your home, which can increase your energy costs. You can fix this by wiping the frames down with a damp towel to eliminate moisture and allow the frame to shrink. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can consider a draught-exclusion device that can be found in a variety of forms such as foam strips and brush seals which are simply inserted into the gap to block cold air from getting into your home.
Leaking Windows can be a more serious issue and can occur when the seals connecting the frame to the aperture have been damaged or degraded. It is also possible to repair them by cleaning the drainage area to eliminate any debris, or by replacing the seals. Verify your warranty. Many companies offer a guarantee that covers such issues for a period of 10 or 20 years, and sometimes even for a lifetime.
When minor issues are solved, it's worth considering having your double-glazed windows professionally draught-proofed. This can increase the insulation of your home, decrease noise and reduce your energy bills. It can make your home more comfortable and can also help prevent condensation from developing in the panes of your glass units, which can cause damage to seals. Alternately, you can upgrade your glass to an A-rated energy efficient glass and reduce your heating expenses.
Smudging
Double glazing can improve your home's insulation and make it more comfortable and warm. However, it's not impervious to damage and over time it will need to be repaired. Fortunately, many of the issues that arise with double glazing are easily fixed and there's no reason to replace your windows or doors entirely.
One of the main problems that people experience with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. It can be due to several factors, such as the frames shrinking or expanding slightly based on weather conditions and temperature. Another reason is handles and hinges becoming damaged, which could make it difficult to operate windows and doors correctly.
Double glazing can also cause smudging, which is the process where dirt or dust build-up on the window seals and make them appear opaque. This can be caused by condensation between the panes. It is essential to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Window seals can be cleaned easily using a damp cloth. This can remove dirt and abrasions. They can be used inside and outside the frame. It is important to avoid using any material that is abrasive to the rubber seals however they could be damaged by them. Choose a fabric that matches your window frames if you have them. This will stop the rubber seals from being marked.
Condensation and misting are signs that the double-glazed window isn't conserving the gases that provide insulation between the panes. This signifies that the window is no longer doing its job and could increase your heating bills. This can be very costly and if you have a faulty window then it's crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Double glazing repair specialists can solve the vast majority double glazing problems. They will be able to fix broken panes, draughty windows and even foggy window glass. They can upgrade your double-glazed units to A-rated energy-efficient products, which can further reduce your energy bill.
Mist
Double glazing is a fantastic method to create a soundproofing, insulation and looks great when it's in good working order. However, if not maintained properly, they'll quickly degrade and start to cloudy or misty. This reduces the efficiency of thermal heating in windows and makes them look shabby and ugly.
If double-glazed windows begin to mist, it's an indication that the seals are not working properly. This could be due to poor installation, deterioration or moisture in the sealed unit.
The cause is often condensation and humidity levels in the home, but it could also be due to seals that have been worn out. This is a problem that is more prevalent with older double glazing made of aluminium. However modern plastic-framed units too suffer from this.
There is a solution to the problem by replacing the double glazed glass unit and it's a lot less expensive than installing new windows. DG Servicing can replace the sealed unit without damaging the frame, and we provide many alternatives to make your double glazed windows look new again.
Some companies claim to be able to fix the issue by drilling holes in windows and injecting chemicals into them, which eliminates condensation fog and damp. But, this isn't an option that lasts and could cause damage to the window.
The best advice is to use only approved and experienced fitters when installing double glazed windows and doors. Keep copies of warranties, contracts and evidence of payment. This can be extremely helpful should you encounter issues with your double glazing. It's also a good idea to perform regular cleaning and maintenance on your windows to ensure the seals are in good condition. If you follow these easy tips, your double glazing should last for a long time. If you do encounter issues, don't overlook them because they'll only get worse. It is always better to fix problems early, before they become expensive repairs or replacements.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated by two glass panes separated with a layer of gas. This is usually argon. This improves the energy efficiency of your house by keeping heat inside during colder temperatures. Double glazing can lead to condensation.
Condensation occurs when there exist temperatures that differ between the air and the glazed window panes. It can occur at the night or when it's extremely cold. The condensation appears as small droplets on the windows surface. Fortunately, this is not necessarily an indication that your windows are in poor condition. It is important to remember that this could also be a sign of inadequate ventilation.
Another reason condensation can form is that moisture can get between the panes of the double-glazed window. This can lead to an accumulation of damp and mould inside your home, which could be difficult or impossible to get rid of without replacing your windows. If you do notice a problem with condensation, it's recommended to speak with your installer and make a claim under the warranty provided when you bought your double glazing.
Window frames that are stained by double glazing are not only unsightly, but they can also reduce the thermal efficiency of your home. This means that your heating system will be used up to warm the space around the window, rather than to keep you warm.
In most cases, a double glazed window that is now cloudy isn't something that can be fixed, since the seal between the two glass panes is broken. However, it could be an excellent opportunity to upgrade your windows to an A-rated energy efficient unit.
It is essential to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment before you attempt any double glazing repairs yourself. A window cleaning kit is a must to do this, and should include some rubber gloves, an ohm test and a squeegee for removing water. These tools can be used to clean double-glazed windows, ensuring that they are watertight as well as the seals are strong. A gasket roller can be used to push new seals into the corners of double glazing.