17 Reasons Why You Should Ignore Double Glazed Window Repair
Double Glazed Window Repairs Double glazing is a great investment for your home, however it can be a hassle if it doesn't work correctly. Most problems can be repaired and you do not have to replace windows or doors. Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes that are separated by a thin gap. This gap is filled with an insulating gas, such as the gas argon. This improves the efficiency of windows. Broken panes Double-paned windows are harder to break than single panes of glass however they are still susceptible to shattering or crack. It's important to fix the broken pane of double glazing as quickly as you can to prevent moisture and energy loss. You can choose a temporary repair or a more intensive epoxy fix depending on the severity of your crack. A temporary repair can help prevent further cracking and keep out cold air and rain. A more extensive repair can reinforce the crack and create a better seal. To replace a double-pane damaged window, take the frame off and place it on an un-slip surface. Then, put a grid of duct tape to the pane to prevent any glass pieces from falling off when you remove it. After the tape is installed, remove the old double-pane glass out of the frame. Then, clean the rabbet and grooves using a wire brush, vacuum or wipe them with a damp cloth. Remove the wood molding if needed and scrape away all putty or metal glazing points prior to installing the new pane. Apply silicone caulk into the rabbets and grooves in order to ensure a tight fit. If you're planning to repair the cracks in your window yourself, begin by sanding the rabbet until it's smooth and clear of gunk or paint. You can also use a heat gun to soften any glazing or putty points. Once the rabbet has been cleaned then you can use a blade for a putty to force a rope into place. Make sure that the putty is of a uniform thickness, and that it presses equally against the glass and frame. If you are looking for a long-term solution you can choose an epoxy repair instead of a replacement. This requires more work and a longer wait time however it is more appealing and will last much longer than a short-term repair. Condensation Condensation is among the most common double glazed window issues, but it doesn't mean that your windows aren't working properly. The fact that your windows are showing condensation is actually a good indicator that your double glazing is doing what it's supposed to do, keeping 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 the inside of your home that has been cooled and condensed onto the glass's surface. It's a natural phenomenon that won't cause harm to your windows unless you leave it on the glass for too long. The reason for internal condensation is usually a lack of humidity or low temperatures in the room. This causes cold surfaces, like windows which draw in moisture with a high dewpoint (the temperature at which water transforms into a liquid). The humidity is also a common occurrence in kitchens and bathrooms because of the steam that comes from kettles, showers, as well as hot pots and pans used during cooking. Avoid hanging wet clothes close to windows and ensure that your uPVC frames are well ventilated to avoid moisture buildup. You should also make sure that your double-glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted, with the correct gap (6mm is best) to maximize energy efficiency. You could also try adding air vents that are one-way to your windows to increase insulation. If you're still experiencing condensation, there is likely a problem with your seals or gaskets. This is a task that should be left to professionals. Draughts A window that isn't properly sealed can be an indication that the seal between your glass panes has broken and needs to be replaced. This can affect the insulation in your home, and can increase the cost of energy. Window repair services will replace your sealed unit, restoring efficiency to your windows. They can also upgrade your frames to include new energy efficient features, like gas filled argon glass units that have thermal spacer bars that will cut down on the loss of heat and reduce the cost of heating. Draughts can also be caused by issues with the locking mechanisms of your double glazed windows, so it's worth getting these checked out. It's normal for older uPVC window lock mechanisms to stiffen with the passage of time. This is easily fixed by regularly lubricating the locks using a specialist uPVC cleaner. A professional double glazing business to complete repairs will ensure that the work is completed correctly. They'll 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 are strong and long-lasting, however they may develop problems due to weather conditions or wear and wear and tear. Call your local double-glazing repair company immediately if you notice any of these issues. You'll be glad you did – a well-repaired double glazing installation will give your home that tangible sense of quality and will also save you money on your energy bills! Smudging Double-glazed windows comprise two separate panes, with an air or spacer dense gas between them to create an effective seal that prevents heating from entering the frame. They're a great option for saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint of your home. However, double glazing may experience a variety of issues that can affect its performance and durability. These include condensation, mist, and difficult to open or close. The difficulty in opening your double-glazed windows could be caused by the weather or it might be a fault with the hinges, handles or mechanism. Wiping them clean with cold water and lubricating them can ease the problem, but you should contact the company that you purchased windows from as soon as possible to get it fixed. This is another common problem that is easily fixable. It is a good idea to check your warranty to see whether there are any repairs covered. Foggy and fogged glass can be caused by moisture in the panes. It's typically a sign of faulty seals or a double-glazing system that needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished without having to replace the whole window. To address this issue A technician will make tiny holes to let out any moisture between the glass panes and the remainder of the window. Once the moisture is gone, a new anti-fog coating will be applied and the window will be sealed. Sometimes, windows need to be taken off however, in the majority of instances, it can be done within the home. Mist Mist can be a major issue with older double glazing, specifically when it happens on the inside and outside of the windows. This is caused by a failure in the seal that is designed to hold air and moisture between the two panes. The seal is made when making double-glazed units by sealing both panes using an airtight polysulphide seal or butyl seal around the edges and spacer bar. This seal is designed to prevent the window from leaking and provide insulation. It isn't easy to clean windows with mist because you have to break the seal in order to do this. The issue with mists is that they allow moisture to penetrate and cause condensation between the glass panes. This is because there is huge differences in temperature between the external and internal surfaces of the glass. The moisture is then trapped within the spaces and gives a milky white appearance. This can be quite ugly and it can be a pain to get rid of. There are a number of companies who 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, repairmywindowsanddoors absorb the moisture inside. It's not an end-to-end solution and it's easier to replace your entire double-glazed unit. It is best to keep your windows clean and conditioned regularly. Make use of extractor fans to minimize the buildup of moisture in bathrooms and kitchens. Clean windows with a wet cloth to prevent this. If you're unable to eliminate the problem completely we suggest replacing your double-glazed units with A-rated ones to boost the efficiency of your energy usage.