Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but can cause a range of issues that can become nagging over time. These include draughts between the panes and condensation as well as fogging.
Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved by a professional. This allows the window to breathe and improve the thermal performance of your home.
Draughts
Double glazing problems are commonplace, regardless of regardless of whether you have double glazing made of aluminium or uPVC. They can be minor irritations such as a window or door that sticks or a lock or handle issue or misted glass. However, repairs to double glazing windows can also be more serious issues such as a leaking window that you cannot close or a broken sealing. Some of them can be fixed easily at home such as stuck doors or windows but others will require the expertise of a professional and may require replacement.
Many of these small problems could be caused by a build-up condensation, which could cause gaps between frames to appear. This can cause cold air to get into your home, which can increase the cost of energy. You can fix this by wiping your frames with a damp towel to remove moisture and allow the frame to shrink. If this does not work, try an draught-excluder. They are available in a variety of forms such as foam strips and brush seals which can be slipped into the gap.
Leaking windows can be more dangerous and typically occur when the seals between the frame and the aperture have deteriorated or broken. It is also possible to repair them by cleaning out the drainage area to eliminate any debris, or replacing the seals. It is advisable to check your warranty, as many companies provide a guarantee that will cover these kinds of issues for a period of 10 or 20 years, and occasionally up to a lifetime warranty.
It's also worth thinking about having your double-glazed windows professionally draughtproofed after any minor issues have been addressed. This will improve your home's insulation, reduce the noise, and also reduce your energy bills. This will make your home more cosy and will stop condensation from developing on the glass panes of your units, which could cause damage to seals. You can also upgrade to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and lower your heating bills.
Smudging
Double glazing can improve your home's insulation and make it more comfortable and warm. It's not impervious to damage and will have to be repaired in time. Fortunately, the majority of issues that arise with double glazing can be fixed and there's no reason to replace your windows or doors entirely.
Double glazing can be difficult to open and close. This could be due to a number of reasons, like the frames shrinking and expanding slightly with the temperature and weather. The hinges and handles can also become worn out and make it difficult to operate windows and doors.
Double glazing can cause smudging, which is the process where dirt or dust build-up on the window seals and make them opaque. This can be a result of condensation between the panes, and it is important to get the issue addressed before it worsens.
Window seals can be cleaned easily using a mildly cleansed cloth. This will remove surface dirt and abrasions. They can be used inside and outside the frame. It is recommended to avoid using anything too abrasive to clean the rubber seals, because it could cause damage to them. If you have coloured window frames it's best to apply a cloth that is in line with the colour so as not to mark the seals' rubber.
Condensation and misting are indications that the double glazed unit is no longer storing the gas that insulates the panes. This could result in higher heating bills because the window isn't performing its function. It is costly to fix the window that is damaged.
Luckily, the vast majority of double glazing problems can be solved by specialists in double glazing repair. They can fix broken panes, draughty windows, and even foggy window glass. They can also upgrade your double-glazed units into energy-efficient products, which will also lower your energy costs.
Mist
Double glazing is a great insulation and soundproofing, and looks stunning when they're in good shape. If they're not maintained properly, they can degrade quickly and turn cloudy or misty. This reduces the efficiency of thermal heating in windows and also looks shabby and unsightly.
If double-glazed windows begin to fog, it's evident that there is a problem with the seals on the window. It could be due to poor installation, deterioration or moisture within the sealed unit (sometimes known as the blown double windows).
The cause of this is often condensation and humidity levels within the home, however it can also be down to old seals that are worn out. This is most common in older aluminium framed double glazing, however modern plastic-framed units have issues with this.
There is a solution to the problem by replacing the double-glazed glass unit and it's 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 new again.
Some companies claim to fix the issue by drilling holes into the windows and injecting chemicals which will eliminate the condensation fog & damp. This is not a permanent fix and could damage your window.
The best advice is to ensure you use a reputable and skilled fitters when installing your double glazed windows or doors. You should also keep copies of warranties, contracts and proof of payment. If you have issues with your new double glazing in the future, then this will prove very useful in getting a refund from your installer in the event of a need. It is also a good idea to carry out regular cleaning and maintenance on your windows to ensure that the seals are in top condition. Follow these simple steps and your double glazing will last for many years. If you experience issues, don't ignore them as they will 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 that are separated by a layer of gas typically argon. This increases the efficiency of your home by keeping heat inside the colder months. Double glazing can cause condensation.
Condensation happens when there are temperature differences between the air and the glazed windowpanes. This can happen at the night or when it's extremely cold. The condensation appears as tiny droplets on the windows surface. Fortunately, this is not necessarily an indication that your windows are faulty. However it is important to remember that this can also be an indication of poor ventilation within your home.
Moisture can also get trapped between the panes of your double-glazed window. This can lead to the growth of mould and damp within your home, which could be difficult to remove without replacing the windows. If you discover that there is a problem, you should speak to your installer to file a claim under the warranty you received when you purchased your double-glazed.
Double glazed windows that are misty can hinder the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling. This means that your heating system will be used to warm the space around the window, instead of to keep your home warm.
In most cases, a double glazed window that has become misty isn't able to be fixed as the seal between the two glass panes is broken. This is a great opportunity to upgrade to an energy efficient window that has an A rating.
Before you attempt to fix double glazing on your own it is crucial that you have the correct tools and equipment. This requires a window cleaning kit, that should include rubber gloves, a meter to test the resistance, as well as a squeegee to remove water. These tools can be used to clean double-glazed windows, ensuring that they are watertight and the seals are strong. You can also make use of a gasket roller to assist in pushing new seals into the corners of your double glazing.