Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing is safe and warm, but it can also develop a variety of annoying problems in time. These include draughts between the panes, condensation and fogging.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved by an expert. This allows the window to breathe and increase the thermal efficiency of your home.
Draughts
If you have uPVC, aluminium or timber double glazing, issues with it will occur in time. They can be minor irritations like a door or window that sticks, a handle or lock issue or misting glass. But they can also be more serious issues such as a leaky window that you cannot close or a broken seal. Some of these are easily fixed at home, for instance a door or window that is stuck. Others will require a professional's expertise and may need to be replaced.
Many of these minor issues are caused by a build-up of condensation that can cause gaps between frames to show up. This can allow cold air to enter your home, increasing the cost of energy. You can fix this by wiping your frames with a damp cloth to remove moisture and allow material to shrink. If this does not work, you could try a Draught-Excluder. They come in various forms, including brush seals and foam strips that can be placed into the gap.
Leaking windows can be a more serious problem and occur when the seals that connect the frame to the aperture are damaged or worn out. These can also be repaired by cleaning out the drainage area to get rid of any debris, or by replacing the seals. It's worth checking your warranty as many companies provide a guarantee that covers these types of problem for a period of 10 or 20 years and sometimes up to a lifetime guarantee.
After minor issues are fixed, it's worth considering having double-glazed windows professionally draughtproofed. This can improve the insulation of your home, cut down on noise and help lower your energy bills. It will make your home more livable and will also prevent condensation from forming in the inner pane of your glass units. This can cause damage to seals. You could also consider upgrading to energy-efficient glass A-rated and lower your heating bills.
Smudging
Double glazing can improve the insulation of your home and make it more comfortable and warm. It is not indestructible, and will need to be fixed as time passes. Many of the problems with double glazing can be easily fixed. You don't need to replace all of your windows and doors.
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 little with temperature and weather. The hinges and handles can also become worn out making it difficult to operate doors and windows.
Smudging is also a problem with double glazing and it happens the result of a build-up of dust or dirt on the window seals cause them to turn opaque. This could be the result of condensation between the panes and it is crucial to get the problem resolved before it gets worse.
A damp, clean cloth can be used to clean window seals. This will remove surface dirt and abrasions. It can be used inside and outside the frame. It's important not to use anything that is too rough on the rubber seals though, as this may damage 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 scratched.
Condensation and misting are indications that the double-glazed window isn't keeping the gases that are insulating between the panes. This can lead to higher heating bills because the window isn't performing its function. This can be very costly If you have a window that is not functioning properly, it's crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Luckily, the vast majority of double glazing problems can be resolved 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 an A-rated energy efficient product that will help further reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing provides excellent insulation and soundproofing, and looks stunning when they're in good condition. If they're not properly maintained, they can degrade quickly and turn cloudy or misty. This can reduce the efficiency of thermal heating and appear like a shabby look.
If double-glazed windows begin to mist, it is an indication that the seals are not working properly. This could be due to poor installation, deterioration, or moisture in the sealed unit.
The cause is usually condensation and humidity levels in the home, however it can also be down to seals that have been worn out. This is particularly prevalent in older aluminum framed double glazing, but modern plastic-framed units can also have problems with this.
It is much cheaper to replace the double-glazed glass unit than install new windows. DG Servicing can replace the sealed unit without causing damage to the frame, and we provide many alternatives to make your double-glazed windows appear new.
Certain firms claim to solve the problem by drilling holes in windows and injecting chemicals into them, which will eliminate the condensation fog and damp. However, this is not an effective solution for the long-term and may harm the window.
The best recommendation is to always use approved and skilled fitters when installing double glazed windows and doors. Keep copies of warranties, contracts, and evidence of payment. If you have a problem with your new double glazing in the future, then this will prove very useful in getting a refund from your installer if needed. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also recommended to ensure that the seals are in good condition. Follow these simple steps and your double-glazed windows will last for many years. If you do experience any issues, don't overlook them as they will only get worse. It is always best to fix them early on before they become costly repairs or even replacing the job.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated by two glass panes separated with an air layer. This is usually argon. This improves the energy efficiency of your home by allowing heat to enter the colder months. However, double glazing repairs near me in double glazing can cause problems.
Condensation is typically caused by differences in temperature between the air and the window panes that are glazed. This can occur when it is particularly cold or at night. The condensation will then be observed as droplets on the windows' surface. This isn't necessarily an indication that your windows need to be replaced. It is important to keep in mind that this could also be an indication of poor ventilation.
Another reason condensation can form is that moisture can be trapped between the panes of the double-glazed window. This could lead to the growth of mould and damp within your home, which may be difficult to remove without replacing the windows. If you notice that there is a problem you must contact your installer to file a claim under the warranty you were given when you bought your double glazing.
Double-glazed windows that are hazy may hinder the efficiency of your home's cooling and heating. This means that your heating will be used up to warm the area around the window, rather than to keep you warm.
In the majority of cases, a double-glazed window that is now cloudy isn't something that can be repaired, as the seal between the two glass panes is broken. This is a great time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient window with an A rating.
Before attempting to fix double glazing on your own it is crucial to have the right 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. Using these tools, you can clean your double glazed windows and make sure they are watertight and that the seals between the units are strong. You can also employ a gasket roller help push new seals into the corners of your double glazing.