Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing is secure and warm, but it can also develop a variety of annoying problems in time. These include draughts condensation between panes and fogging.
Luckily, a lot of these issues can be resolved by an expert. This allows your window to breathe, increase the thermal performance of your home and help you save on heating bills.
Draughts
No matter if you have uPVC aluminium or timber double glazing, issues with it are likely to happen over time. They could be minor annoyances like a door or window that sticks, a handle or lock issue or misted glass. However, they could also be more serious issues like a window that is leaking that you cannot close or a damaged seal. Some of these are easily repaired at home, like the case of a window or door that is stuck. Others will require a professional's expertise and may require replacement.
Many of these minor issues could be caused by the build-up of condensation which could cause gaps between frames to appear. This can result in the cold air getting into your home and raising your energy costs. This can be remedied by wiping the frames with a damp cloth to remove the moisture and allow the material to shrink back. If this doesn't work, you could try a draught excluder which can be found in a variety of forms, such as brush seals and foam strips that are simply slipped into the gap to block cold air from entering your home.
Leaking windows can be a more serious issue. It can happen when the seals connecting the frame to the aperture have been damaged or degraded. It is also possible to repair them by cleaning the drainage area to get rid of any debris, or replacing the seals. Verify your warranty. Many companies offer a guarantee that covers these types problems for 10 or even 20 years, and sometimes even for a lifetime.
After minor issues are fixed, it's worth considering having your double-glazed windows professionally draught-proofed. This will increase the insulation of your home, cut down on noise and lower your energy bills. This will make your home more cozy and will stop condensation from developing on the glass panes that are inside of your appliances, which can cause damage to seals. You could also consider upgrading to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and lower your heating bills.
Smudging
Double glazing can increase the insulation of your home and make it more comfortable and warm. However, it's not indestructible and, over time, it will require repair. Many of the issues associated caused by double glazing can be easily addressed. It is not necessary to replace all of your windows and doors.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. This can be down to a variety of reasons, like the frames shrinking and expanding slightly with the temperature and weather. Another factor is the hinges and handles becoming worn, and this can make it difficult to operate doors and windows properly.
Smudging is also a problem with double glazing and this happens the result of a build-up of dust or dirt on the window seals causes them to become opaque. This is usually caused by condensation between the panes. It is essential to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
Window seals can be cleaned easily with a clean damp cloth. This will remove surface dirt and abrasions, and can be used both inside and outside of the frame. You should avoid using anything that is too abrasive in order to clean the rubber seals because it could cause damage to them. Make sure you use a cloth that is in line with your window frames, if you have them. This will keep the rubber seals from becoming marked.
Misting and condensation are signs that the double glazed unit is no longer storing in the insulating gas between the panes. This means that the window isn't working as it should, and this can increase your heating costs. It can be costly to repair windows that are damaged.
Luckily, the majority of problems with double glazing can be solved by double glazing repair specialists. They can repair broken panes and draughty window glass. They can also upgrade your double glazed units to an energy efficient product with an A rating which will further reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing offers excellent insulation and soundproofing, and looks stunning when they're in good working order. If they're not maintained correctly they will quickly degrade and become hazy or misty. This could reduce the thermal efficiency and make them look like a shabby look.
Double-glazed windows begin to smudge, it's a clear sign that there is an issue with the seals on the window. 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 inside the home, however it can also be down to seals that have been worn out. This is particularly prevalent in older double glazing, however modern plastic-framed units also suffer from this.
There is a way to solve the issue by replacing the double glazed glass unit, and it's much cheaper than installing new windows. DG Servicing can replace the sealed unit without damaging the frame, and we offer an array of alternatives to make your double-glazed windows look brand new.
Some companies claim that they can resolve the issue by drilling tiny holes into the window and injecting chemicals into it to remove the condensation and fog. This is not a permanent fix and could damage your window.
The best recommendation is to use only approved and experienced fitters when installing your double glazed windows and doors. Keep copies of warranties, contracts and the proof of payment. If you encounter a problem with your new double glazing in the future, then this can prove extremely useful in seeking a refund from the installer should you require it. It's recommended to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance of your windows to ensure the seals are in top condition. Follow these simple steps and your double glazing will last for a long time. Do not ignore any problems because they'll only get worse. It's always better to fix them early on before they turn into costly repairs or even an entire replacement.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated by two glass panes separated with a layer of gas. It is typically argon. This helps improve the efficiency of your home, allowing warm during colder seasons. Double glazing can lead to condensation.
Condensation is typically caused by differences in temperature between air and the glazed windowpanes. It can occur at night or when it's particularly cold. The condensation appears as small droplets on the window surface. Fortunately, this is not necessarily a sign that your windows are in poor condition. However it is important to note that this can also be an indication of poor air circulation in your home.
Moisture can also get trapped between the panes of your double-glazed window. This can cause a buildup of mould and damp in your home, which could be difficult or impossible to eliminate without replacing your windows. If you discover that there's a problem, you should speak to your installer to claim for the warranty you received when you purchased your double glazing.
Double-glazed windows that are misty are not just ugly, but they can also reduce the thermal efficiency of your home. This means that your heating system will be used to heat the area around the window instead of keeping you warm.
In most cases, a double-glazed window that has become misty isn't able to be repaired, as the seal between the two glass panes is broken. However, this can be a good opportunity to upgrade your windows to an A-rated energy efficient unit.
Before attempting to repair double glazing yourself, it is important that you have the correct tools and equipment. A window cleaning kit is essential for this, and must include some rubber gloves, an ohm tester and a squeegee for getting rid of water. Utilizing these tools, you can clean your double-glazed windows, and make sure they are watertight, and that the seals between the units are sturdy. You can also make use of a gasket roller to assist in pushing new seals into the corners of your double glazing.