Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but it can also cause a variety of issues that can become nagging as time passes. These include draughts between the panes and condensation as well as fogging.
Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be fixed by a professional. This will allow your windows to breathe, increase the thermal performance of your home, and help you save on heating costs.
Draughts
Double glazing problems are inevitable, regardless of whether you're using uPVC or aluminium double glazing. They could be minor annoyances like a window or door that sticks, a handle or lock issue, or misting glass. But they can also be more serious problems like a window that is leaking that you cannot close or a broken seal. Some of these are easily fixed at home, for instance the case of a window or door that is stuck. Others will require a professional's expertise and may even require replacement.
These small problems are often caused by a buildup condensation which can cause gaps to appear between the frames. repair double glazing can lead to cold air entering your home, causing a rise in energy bills. It is easy to fix this by wiping your frames down with a damp cloth to remove moisture and allow the material to shrink. If this doesn't work, you could try a draught excluder which can be found in a variety of types, including brush seals and foam strips which are simply inserted into the gaps to prevent cold air from entering your home.
Leaking windows can be more severe and usually happen when the seals between the frame and the opening have deteriorated or broken. They can also be fixed by cleaning out the drainage section to remove any debris, or replacing the seals. Check your warranty. Many companies offer a warranty that covers these kinds of issues for a period of 10, 20 or even 30 years, and sometimes even the entire life of the window.
It is also worth looking into having your double glazed windows professionally draughtproofed after any minor issues have been dealt with. This will increase the insulation of your home, cut down on noise and help lower your energy bills. This will make your home more cozy and prevent condensation from forming on the inner glass panes of your appliances, which can harm seals. You could also upgrade to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and cut down on heating costs.
Smudging
It's true that double glazing can enhance the insulation in your home, and help keep it warm and comfortable. It's not impervious to damage, and will need to be fixed in time. Fortunately, many of the issues that arise with double glazing can be easily solved, and there's no need to replace your windows or doors altogether.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. This can be down to a variety of factors, such as the frames shrinking and expanding slightly with the temperature and weather. Another reason is handles and hinges becoming worn, and this can make it difficult to operate doors and windows correctly.
Smudging can also be a problem with double glazing and this is when a build-up or dirt on the window seals causes them to become opaque. This can be a result of condensation in between the panes and it's important to have the issue resolved before it gets worse.
A damp, clean cloth can be used to clean window seals. This will remove any surface dirt and abrasions and can be used on the frame's interior as well as the outside. It's essential not to use anything that is too rough on the rubber seals however they could be damaged by them. Use a cloth that matches your window frames if you have them. This will prevent the rubber seals from being marked.
Misting and condensation are signs that the double glazed unit is no longer holding in the insulating gas between the panes. This signifies that the window isn't working as it should, and this can increase the cost of heating. This can be very costly If you have a faulty window then it's important to get it repaired as soon as you can.
Luckily, the vast majority of problems with double glazing can be resolved by double glazing repair specialists. They can fix broken panes or draughty window glass. They can also upgrade your double-glazed units to A-rated energy-efficient products, which will also reduce your energy bill.
Mist
Double glazing is an excellent method to insulate, soundproof and look nice when it's in good working order. If they are not maintained in a timely manner they will quickly degrade and turn hazy or misty. This decreases the efficiency of thermal heating in windows, and also makes them look dirty and unattractive.
Double-glazed windows start to mist, it's an indication that the seals are not working properly. This could be due to a poor installation, degrading, or moisture in the sealed unit.
This can be caused by damaged seals or the humidity levels in the home. This problem is more common with older double glazing made of aluminium. However modern plastic-framed units also suffer from this.
There is a solution to the issue 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 causing damage to the frame, and we offer many alternatives to make your double glazed windows look brand new.
Some firms claim to solve the problem by drilling holes in the windows and injecting chemicals which eliminates condensation fog & damp. This is not a permanent fix and can damage your window.
The best advice is to ensure you use a reputable and experienced fitters when installing your double glazed windows or doors. You should also keep copies of warranties, contracts and proof of payment. This will be extremely useful if you ever have issues with your double glazing. It is also a good idea to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance on your windows to ensure the seals are kept in top condition. By following these simple guidelines, your double glazing should last for many years to come. If you do encounter problems, then don't ignore them as they will only get worse. It is always best to fix the issues early before they turn into expensive repairs or even an entire replacement.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated with two glass panes, separated by a layer of gas. It is typically argon. This increases the efficiency of your home by keeping heat in the colder months. However condensation in double glazing can be a problem.
Condensation is typically caused by differences in temperature between air and the glazed windowpanes. This can occur when it is particularly cold, or at night. The condensation appears as tiny droplets on the window surface. This isn't necessarily an indication that your windows need to be replaced. It is important to keep in mind that this could be an indication of inadequate ventilation.
Moisture can also be trapped between the panes in the double-glazed windows. This can lead to the growth of damp and mould in your home which may be difficult or impossible to eliminate without replacing your windows. If you discover that there is a problem you should contact your installer to file a claim for the warranty you were given when you bought your double glazing.
Double-glazed windows that are hazy may hinder the efficiency of your home's cooling and heating. This means that your heating system will be used to heat the space around the window, rather than to keep you warm.
The majority of double-glazed windows that are cloudy can't be fixed because the seal between two glass panes is damaged. However, this can be an ideal time to upgrade your windows to an A-rated energy efficient unit.
It is essential to ensure you have the proper tools and equipment before you attempt any double glazing repairs yourself. A window cleaning kit is essential for this, and should include rubber gloves, an ohm tester, and a squeegee for taking out water. With these tools, you can wash your double-glazed windows and make sure they are watertight and that the seals between the units are strong. You can also make use of a gasket roller to assist in pushing new seals into the corners of your double glazing.