Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but it can also cause a variety of issues that can become nagging as time passes. This can be a result of draughts, condensation between panes and fogging.
Many of these problems are easily solved by professionals. This will allow your windows to breathe, enhance the thermal efficiency of your property and will help you save money on heating costs.
Draughts
If you have uPVC, aluminium or timber double glazing, issues with it are likely to occur over time. They can be minor irritations like a door or window that sticks to the floor, a lock or handle issue, or misting glass. However, they can also be more serious issues such as a leaking window that isn't closed or a damaged seal. Some of them can be easily fixed at home, such as stuck doors or windows however others require the expertise of a professional and may require replacing.
These minor issues are usually caused by a buildup condensation which can cause gaps to form between the frames. This can allow cold air to get into your home, which can increase the cost of energy. You can fix this by wiping your frames down with a damp cloth to remove moisture and allow material to shrink. If this doesn't solve the problem, you could consider a draught-exclusion device that is available in various forms such as foam strips and brush seals that are simply slipped into the gap to block cold air from getting into your home.
Leaking windows can be more severe and usually happen when the seals between the frame and aperture have broken or deteriorated. They can also be fixed by cleaning the drainage part of the window to remove any debris, or replacing the seals. It is advisable to check your warranty as many businesses offer a warranty that covers these types of problem for a period of 10 or 20 years and sometimes up to a lifetime warranty.
It's also worth considering having your double glazed windows professionally draught proofed once any minor issues are resolved. This can help increase the insulation of your home, cut down on noise and help lower the cost of energy. This will make your home more cozy and will stop condensation from developing on the inner glass panes of your appliances, which can harm seals. You could also upgrade to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and cut down on heating costs.
Smudging
It's true that double glazing can improve the insulation of your home and keep it warm and comfortable. However, it's not indestructible and over time it will require repair. Thankfully many of the problems that arise with double glazing are easily fixed, and there's no need to replace your windows or doors completely.
One of the most common problems that people experience with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a number of factors, like the frames expanding and shrinking little with temperature and weather. The hinges and handles may also become worn out and make it difficult to operate windows and doors.
Double glazing can also lead to smudging. This is caused the process where dirt or dust build up on the window seals, making them opaque. This can be a result of condensation between the panes and it's important to have the issue addressed before it gets worse.
Window seals can be cleaned very easily with a clean damp cloth. This will get rid of any surface dirt and abrasions and can be used on the frame's interior as well as the outside. It's important not to use any material that is abrasive to the rubber seals however they could be damaged by them. If you have coloured window frames it's a good idea to use a cloth that matches the color so as not to mark the rubber seals.
Condensation and misting are signs that your double-glazed unit isn't conserving the gases that provide insulation between the panes. This signifies that the window is no longer doing its job, and this can increase your heating bills. It can be expensive to fix the window that is damaged.
Luckily, the vast majority of problems with double glazing can be resolved by specialists in double glazing repair. They can fix 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 reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing offers excellent insulation as well as soundproofing. It also looks great when they're in good working order. If they are not maintained properly, they can quickly degrade and become hazy or misty. This can reduce the efficiency of the windows and also looks shabby and unsightly.
If double glazing window repairs -glazed windows begin to mist, it's an indication that the seals aren't working. It could be caused by poor installation, deterioration or moisture within the sealed unit (sometimes called the 'blown' double glazed window).
This can be caused by wear-out seals or high humidity levels in the home. This is particularly prevalent in older aluminium framed double glazing, however modern plastic-framed units can have issues with this.
It is much cheaper to replace the double-glazed glass unit rather than install new windows. DG Servicing can replace the sealed unit without causing damage to the frame, and we offer an array of alternatives to make your double-glazed windows appear new.
Some companies claim that they can fix the problem by drilling small holes into the window and injecting chemicals to eliminate the condensation and fog. However, this isn't an effective solution for the long-term and may damage the 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 issues with your new double glazing in the future, then this will be extremely helpful in seeking a refund from the installer if needed. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also advised to keep the seals in perfect condition. By following these simple guidelines that your double glazing will last for many years to come. If you do encounter problems, then don't ignore them as they will only get worse. It is always better to address problems as soon as they arise, before they become expensive repairs or replacements.
Condensation
Double glazed windows are insulated by two glass panes separated by a gas layer, often argon. This improves the efficiency of your home by keeping heat inside the colder months. However condensation in double glazing can cause problems.
Condensation is typically caused by variations in temperature between air and the glazed windowpanes. This can happen at night or when it's particularly cold. The condensation appears as tiny drops on the window's surface. It is, however, not necessarily an indication that your windows are faulty. It is important to remember that this could also be a sign of poor ventilation.
Another reason condensation can form is that moisture can get in between the panes the double-glazed window. This can lead to a build-up of mould and damp in your home, which could be difficult to get rid of without replacing the windows. In the event that you do experience problems with condensation, it's recommended to speak with your installer and make an claim under the warranty provided when you purchased your double-glazed.
Window frames that are stained by double glazing 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, not to keep your home warm.
The majority of double-glazed windows that are misty cannot be repaired because the seal between two glass panes has been broken. However, it could be a good opportunity to upgrade your windows to an A-rated energy efficient unit.
Before attempting to fix double glazing yourself, it is important that you have the correct tools and equipment. A window cleaning kit is essential for this, and should include rubber gloves, an ohm test and a squeegee to assist in getting rid of water. These tools can be used to clean double-glazed windows, making sure that they are watertight as well as the seals are strong. A gasket roller can be used to push seals in the corners of double glazing.