Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing is secure and warm, however it can also develop a variety of annoying issues over time. This can be a result of draughts, fogging and condensation between panes.
Luckily, a lot of these issues can be resolved by a professional. This will allow your windows to breathe, enhance the thermal performance of your property and save you money on heating bills.
Draughts
If you have uPVC, aluminium or timber double glazing, issues with it are likely to develop in time. Most of the time, they are minor issues such as doors or windows that are stuck or have a lock issue, handle issues or even misted glass but they can be more severe like a leaky window that isn't closing or a damaged seal. Some of these issues can be easily fixed by you at home, such as a stuck door or window however others will require the expertise of a professional and may need to be replaced.
These small problems are often caused by a buildup of condensation which can cause gaps to appear between the frames. This can cause cold air to enter your home, increasing the cost of energy. This can be remedied by wiping the frames with a damp cloth in order to eliminate the moisture and then allow the material to shrink back. If this doesn't work then you can try a draught excluder which is available in many forms, such as brush seals and foam strips which are simply inserted into the gap to block cold air from entering your home.
Leaking windows can be a serious problem and occur when the seals that join the frame to the aperture have been damaged or deteriorated. These can be repaired by cleaning the drainage section of the window to eliminate any debris, or replacing the seals. It is worth checking your warranty, as many companies offer a guarantee which covers these kinds of problems for 10 or 20 years and sometimes up to the lifetime guarantee.
It is also worth looking into having your double glazed windows professionally draught proofed once any minor issues have been dealt with. This can increase your home's insulation, reduce noise, and lower the cost of energy. This will make your home more comfortable and prevent condensation from forming on the glass panes that are inside of your appliances, which can damage seals. You can also upgrade your glass to A-rated energy efficient glass and reduce your heating costs.
Smudging
Double glazing can improve your home's insulation, making it more comfortable and warm. It's not impervious to damage, and will need to be repaired over time. Fortunately, many of the issues that arise from double glazing can be fixed and there's no need to replace your doors or windows altogether.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a number of factors, such as the frames expanding and shrinking slightly with the temperature and weather. The hinges and handles may also become worn out making it difficult to operate doors and windows.
Double glazing can also cause smudging, which is when dirt or dust build up on the window seals makes them appear opaque. This could be the result of condensation between the panes and it's important to have the issue addressed prior to it getting worse.
Window seals can be cleaned very easily with a clean damp cloth. This can remove dirt and abrasions. They can be used inside and outside the frame. It's essential not to use anything too abrasive on the rubber seals, however it could damage them. If you have colored window frames, it's best to apply a cloth that is in line with the colour in order not to mark the seals made of rubber.
Condensation and misting are indications that your double-glazed unit is not keeping the gases that are insulating between the panes. This can lead to higher heating costs because the window is not performing its function. This can be very costly and if you have a window that is not functioning properly, it's crucial to get it repaired in the shortest time possible.
Luckily, the majority of double glazing issues can be solved by experts in double glazing repair. They will be able to fix broken panes, draughty windows and even foggy window glass. They can also upgrade your double-glazed units to energy-efficient A-rated products, which can further reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing is a fantastic option to create a soundproofing, insulation and look good when it's in good condition. If they are not maintained correctly they will quickly degrade and become misted or hazy. This can reduce the efficiency of thermal heating and appear unappealing.
Double-glazed windows start to mist, this is an indication that the seals are not working properly. This could be due to a poor installation, degrading or moisture in the sealed unit.
The reason for this is often humidity and condensation levels within the home, however it could also be due to old seals that are worn out. This is a problem that is more prevalent with older double glazing made of aluminium. However modern plastic-framed units also suffer from this.
There is a way to solve 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 causing damage to the frame, and we provide an array of alternatives to make your double glazed windows look brand new.
Some companies claim to be able to fix the issue by drilling holes in windows and injecting chemicals which eliminates condensation fog & damp. However, this is not an option that lasts and could harm the window.
The best recommendation is to ensure you use a reputable and experienced fitters when installing double glazed windows and doors. Keep copies of warranties, contracts, and the proof of payment. This can be extremely helpful should you encounter problems with the double glazing. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also recommended to keep the seals in top condition. Follow these simple steps and your double-glazed windows will last for a long time. If you experience issues, don't overlook them as they will only get worse. It is always best to fix problems early, before they turn into costly repairs or even replacing the job.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are constructed with two glass panes separated by an air layer usually argon. This increases the efficiency of your home by allowing heat to enter the colder months. However, condensation in double glazing can be a problem.
Condensation happens when there are temperatures that differ between the air and the glazed windowpanes. It can occur when it is particularly cold or at night. The condensation will then be seen as 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 could also be an indication of poor air circulation within your home.
Another reason condensation can form is that moisture can get in between the panes the double-glazed window. This can lead to a buildup of mould and damp in your home that may be difficult or impossible to remove without replacing your windows. In the event that you do experience problems with condensation, it's recommended to speak with your installer and file a claim under the warranty provided when you bought your double glazing.
Double-glazed windows that are misty are not just ugly however, they also reduce the thermal efficiency of your home. This means that your heating will be used to heat the area around the window, not to double glazing windows repair keep you warm.
Most double-glazed windows that are misty cannot be repaired because the seal between the two glass panes is damaged. However, this could be a an excellent opportunity to upgrade your windows to an energy efficient unit.
Before attempting to fix double glazing yourself it is crucial to have the right tools and equipment. This requires a window cleaning kit, which should include rubber gloves and a meter to measure the resistance, and the squeegee for removing water. Utilizing these tools, you can wash your double glazed windows and ensure that they are watertight and that the seals between the units are strong. A gasket roller can be used to push seals into the corners of double glazing.