Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and safe but it can also cause a variety of annoying issues as time passes. This can be a result of draughts, fogging and condensation between panes.
Many of these issues can be easily fixed by a professional. This will allow the window to breathe and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.
Draughts
Double glazing problems are inevitable, regardless of whether you're using uPVC or aluminium double glazing. They can be minor irritations such as a window or door that gets stuck to the floor, a lock or handle issue, or misting glass. But they can also be more serious problems such as a leaking window that you are unable to close or a damaged seal. Some of these issues can be fixed at home, such as windows or doors that is stuck. Others require the expertise of a specialist and might require replacement.
Many of these small problems could be caused by a build-up of condensation that can cause gaps between the frames to form. These can lead to cold air entering your home and increasing your energy bills. You can easily fix this by wiping the frames with a damp towel to eliminate moisture and allow the frame to shrink. If this doesn't solve the problem, you could try a draught excluder that is available in various forms, such as foam strips and brush seals that are simply slipped into the gap to stop cold air from getting into your home.
Leaking windows can be more dangerous and usually happen when the seals between the frame and the aperture have broken or deteriorated. Again, these can be fixed by cleaning the drainage area of the window to get rid of any debris or replacing the seals. It's worth checking your warranty since many companies offer a guarantee which will cover these kinds of issues for 10 or 20 years and sometimes up to the lifetime guarantee.
When minor issues are solved It's a good idea to consider having your double-glazed windows professionally draught-proofed. This can increase the insulation of your home, decrease noise, and lower your energy bills. This will make your home more cosy and will stop condensation from developing on the inner glass panes of your units, which could damage seals. You could also consider upgrading to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and cut down on heating costs.
Smudging
Double glazing can boost your home's insulation and make it more comfortable and warm. But it isn't indestructible and over time it will need to be repaired. Many of the issues with double glazing are easily fixed. You don't need to replace all of your windows and doors.
One of the most common problems that people experience with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be down to a variety of factors, like the frames shrinking and expanding little with temperature and weather. The hinges and handles can also become worn out making it difficult to operate windows and doors.
Double glazing can cause smudging. This is caused when dirt or dust build-up on window seals and make them appear opaque. This could be the result of condensation in between the panes and it is crucial to get the issue addressed prior to it getting worse.
A clean, damp cloth can be used to clean window seals. This can remove dirt and abrasions, and can be used both inside and outside the frame. It's important not to use anything that is too rough on the rubber seals, however, as this may damage them. Use a cloth that matches your window frames if you have them. This will keep the rubber seals from becoming marked.
Misting and condensation are indicators that your double-glazed unit is not conserving the gases that provide insulation between the panes. This indicates that the window is no longer working as it should and could increase your heating bills. It can be expensive to repair the window that is damaged.
Fortunately, the vast majority of problems with double glazing can be solved by double glazing repair specialists. They can repair damaged panes, or leaky window glass. They can also upgrade your double glazed units to an energy efficient product with an A rating, which will help to reduce your energy costs.
Mist
Double glazing offers excellent insulation and soundproofing, and looks stunning when they're in good working order. If they're not maintained properly, they'll degrade quickly and turn cloudy or misty. This could reduce the efficiency of thermal heating and appear unappealing.
Double-glazed windows start to mist, it's an indication that the seals are not working properly. It could be due to poor installation, deterioration or moisture within the sealed unit (sometimes known as the 'blown' double glazed window).
The cause is usually condensation and humidity levels inside the home, but it can also be down to old seals that are worn out. This problem is more prevalent with older aluminium-framed double glazing. However modern plastic-framed units also suffer from this.
It is cheaper to replace the double-glazed glass than install new windows. DG Servicing is able to replace the sealed unit without harming the frame. We also offer a range of replacement options to make your double glazed window look brand new.
Some companies claim that they can solve the issue by drilling small holes into the window and injecting chemicals into it to remove the condensation and fog. This is not a permanent solution and can damage your window.
The best recommendation is to always use approved and skilled fitters when installing your double glazed windows or doors. You should also keep copies of warranties, contracts and the proof of payment. This can be extremely helpful if you ever have a problem with the double glazing. Regular cleaning and maintenance is recommended to ensure that the seals are in perfect condition. Follow these simple tips and your double-glazed windows will last for many years. If you experience issues, don't ignore them because they'll only get worse. It is always better to tackle problems early before they turn into costly repairs or replacement jobs.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated with two glass panes separated with an air layer. This is usually argon. This increases the energy efficiency of your house by keeping heat inside even in colder temperatures. However, condensation in double glazing can cause problems.
Condensation occurs when there are temperature differences between the air and the glazed window panes. This can occur when it is particularly cold, or at night. The condensation appears as tiny droplets on the windows surface. Fortunately, this is not necessarily an indication that your windows are in poor condition. However, it is important to know that this can also be a sign of poor ventilation within your home.
Moisture can also be trapped between the panes of the double-glazed windows. This can cause an accumulation of mould and damp in your home which may be difficult or impossible to get rid of without replacing your windows. If you do notice a problem with condensation, it's advisable to contact your installer and make a claim under the warranty provided when you bought the double glazing.
Misty double glazed windows are not just ugly but they can also reduce the thermal efficiency of your home. This means that your heating will be used to heat the area around the window instead of keeping you warm.
In most cases, a double-glazed window that is now cloudy isn't able to be repaired, as the seal between the two glass panes has broken. This is a great time to upgrade to an energy efficient window that has an A rating.
It is important to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment prior to attempting any repairs to double glazing yourself. A window cleaning kit is a must for this, and should include rubber gloves, an ohm tester and a squeegee to assist in removing water. With these tools, you can wash your double-glazed windows, and ensure that they are watertight, and that the seals between the units are sturdy. A gasket roller can be used to push seals into the corners of double glazing.