Watch Out: How Double Glazed Window Repair Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Double Glazed Window Repair
Double-glazed windows are usually covered with a warranty, so it's worth examining what this covers. It usually covers any problems with window hardware, like hinges and locking mechanisms, within the first 10 years.
A leak in the seal is typically the cause of mist between your glass windows. This needs to be addressed immediately to prevent mould or damp forming in your home.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors Between the Windows
If condensation appears between your windows, this could be an indication that the sealing in the gas insulating the windows has failed. This can be a serious issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as you can especially in winter when humidity is at its highest. This can also cause damage to the sills, sealant and mould.
Double-glazed windows should not have condensation between the panes. However, it's not unusual to have high humidity or an extremely cold snap to trigger this issue. The issue can usually be resolved without the need to replace an entire window. A professional can drill small holes in the glass and spray the inside of the window with a special cleaning solution. The water is then removed from the window. Additionally, an anti-fogger is fitted to prevent the accumulation of moisture from happening again.
Condensation between the windows can be caused by air leakage or other factors outside of the window. If this is the case, it will likely take longer for moisture to gather in the window as the air has to be warm enough for the water molecules to vaporise. In these situations, it may be better to replace the double-glazed windows rather than repair the existing sealed units.
A double-glazed windows is made up of two or three pieces of insulated glass held together by a frame made of metal. The gap in the middle of the windows is filled with a non-toxic gas for insulation such as argon or krypton and then sealed tightly. The seal is responsible for preventing the gas used to insulate from escaping and also preventing air and moisture from getting into the gap.
As windows age, seals may be damaged, allowing moisture to enter between the glass panes. When seals fail it is essential to be aware of this since it indicates that the double glazing no longer performs as efficiently as it did before. This could lead to poor energy efficiency, increased heating bills, damaged properties and the risk of condensation between the windows.
Mist
If you have condensation on the outside of your windows, it is perfectly normal and means that your double-glazed is functioning properly and retaining the heat inside your home. The condensation is caused by the air outside is hotter than the glass, and reaches the dew point of the window before the air inside. This is one of the great benefits of having good quality double glazing.
If the condensation is located on the side of your window, it could be a sign of a ventilation problem in your home. This is because the excess moisture has no place to go and is deposited on your window or in carpets, furniture and in other places within your home. Getting this checked out by a professional and making sure that there plenty of fresh air flowing through the home will help prevent it from happening in the future.
Another reason for mist to appear on double-glazed windows is because the seal between two panes of glass is broken. This could be due to wear and tear or chemical cleaning products being used. The most effective solution is to get the windows repaired as soon as you can.
Professionally repairing your windows will ensure that they are fog-free free of condensation and free of misting. It is also a lot cheaper than replacing them entirely and will help you save money on your energy bills.
A FENSA registered window installer can provide you with a quote for the repair or replacement of your double-glazed windows. Upgrade your old windows to energy efficient ones that are A-rated if they are very old.
It is best to keep copies of any agreements and warranties with the window installers. It can be helpful in the event that you have any future problems with your windows. You can reach out to your window fitters and work out the issue. This is a much better option than simply ignore the issues that will only get worse and could lead to other issues in your home.
Close or open with difficulty
When double glazed windows become difficult to open and close it isn't just annoying but it could also result in increased energy bills due to heat loss and draughts. It could also be a security issue, particularly if the locks aren't working properly. It is essential to fix any issues with double-glazed doors and windows when you discover them.
If you've tried to open your window using one of the easiest methods, such as using a screwdriver or tapping the frame using a solid object, the issue could be more serious. It could be that the window has shifted within its frame and requires to be re-set or it could be that there is a gap between the glass panes as well as the frames. In either case, you should contact a professional double glazing repair expert to make sure that the proper repairs are made and to prevent future problems.
It's not unusual to find UPVC window handles and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or get stuck, especially if they are old and worn. It usually happens due to the accumulation of grease or dirt in the handle. This can be easily resolved by cleaning it using a uPVC cleanser. If this doesn't work, you could try gently tapping the uPVC frame with a sharp object like a screwdriver, taking care not to harm the handle or the window handle mechanism.
If this doesn't resolve the problem it is likely that the window needs to be replaced because the hinges might not be in the correct position or the locking mechanism might have been damaged. In this situation, seek out a professional UPVC window repair expert.
David The Window Wizard specialises in all technical aspects of double glazed window and door repair, including fixing a jammed or shut double glazing window. He has extensive experience with converting discontinued window mechanisms to modern ones. This often can save you the cost of replacing the whole window. Contact us today for more details or a free quote.
Warping
Double-glazed windows are usually the best option for saving energy at home. They are made up of two distinct panes with a spacer, gas or air between the panes. This creates an airtight seal to keep cold air out and warm air inside. However, over time, windows can be damaged or destroyed and require repair. Most repairs can be made without the need to replace the entire window.
Warping is a common problem when double-glazed windows are installed. This occurs when windows begin to bow, twist or bow. This can affect the structural integrity and insulation abilities of the window. Double glazed windows should be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this issue.
If your double-glazed windows are beginning to swell, it's crucial to get in touch with a specialist immediately to stop the problem from getting worse. They will be able to examine your windows and identify the cause of the warping. They will employ specific tools to correct the issue and make sure that your windows are fully sealed again.
The most common cause of this issue is water vapour between the windows, which can get accumulated over time. It can be caused by a number of different factors like the weather, humidity and temperature changes. To resolve this issue the expert will drill a small hole through the window to release the moisture. They will then apply an agent for cleaning to wash the glass and then apply sealant to help protect it from moisture in the future.
Alternatively, if your windows aren't being closed or opened, this could be an indication of a break in the mechanism or hinges. It is advisable to lubricate the parts of the window before calling in a professional, since this will often resolve the issue and lessen the necessity for replacements. If your windows are worn out or don't offer the insulation you want it might be better to replace them.