Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but it can also cause a variety of annoying issues as time passes. This includes draughts between panes as well as condensation and fogging.
Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved by a professional. This allows the window to breathe and increase the thermal efficiency of your home.
Draughts
Whether you have uPVC, aluminium or timber double glazing, problems with it are likely to happen in time. These can be minor issues like a window or door that sticks, a handle or lock issue or misted glass. But they can also be more serious issues like a window that is leaking that isn't closed or a broken seal. Some of these can be fixed easily at home, like stuck doors or windows but others will require the expertise of a professional and may need to be replaced.
These small problems are often caused by a buildup of condensation that could cause gaps to develop between the frames. This can allow cold air to be able to enter your home, thereby increasing the cost of energy. You can easily fix this by wiping your frames down with a damp cloth to remove moisture and allow the material to shrink. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try a draught excluder which is available in many forms such as brush seals and foam strips which are simply inserted into the gaps to prevent cold air from entering your property.
Leaking windows can be a serious issue. It can happen when the seals connecting the frame to the aperture are damaged or worn out. They can also be repaired by cleaning the drainage section of the window to get rid of any debris, or replacing the seals. It is worth checking your warranty since many companies offer a guarantee which covers these types of problem for 10 or 20 years, and sometimes up to a lifetime warranty.
Once minor problems are resolved, it's worth considering having double-glazed windows professionally draught-proofed. This can increase the insulation of your home, decrease noise and reduce your energy costs. This will make your home more comfortable and stop condensation from forming on the glass panes of your appliances, which can harm seals. You could also consider upgrading to energy-efficient glazing A-rated and reduce your heating costs.
Smudging
Double glazing can increase the insulation of your home and make it more comfortable and warm. However, it's not impervious to damage and over time it will need to be repaired. Fortunately, many of the issues that arise with double glazing can be fixed and there's no reason to replace your windows or doors completely.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. This can be down to a number of factors, like the frames expanding and shrinking slightly depending on temperature and weather. Another reason could be handles and hinges getting worn, and this can make it difficult to operate the windows and doors correctly.
Smudging is also a problem with double glazing and it happens when a build-up or dirt on the window seals causes them to become opaque. This could be because of condensation between the panes, and it is important to get the issue addressed before it gets worse.
Window seals can be cleaned very easily with a clean damp cloth. This will remove surface dirt and abrasions. It can be used both inside and outside the frame. Avoid using anything that is abrasive to clean the rubber seals because it could cause damage to them. If you have colored window frames, it's a good idea apply a cloth that is in line with the colour in order not to mark the seals' rubber.
Condensation and misting are indications that your double-glazed unit isn't retaining the insulating gases between the panes. This can lead to higher heating costs because the window isn't fulfilling its function. It can be expensive to repair windows that are damaged.
Double glazing repair specialists can solve the majority of double glazing problems. They will be able to repair damaged panes, draughty windows, and even foggy glass. They can upgrade your double-glazed units to energy-efficient A-rated products, which can further reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing provides excellent insulation as well as soundproofing. It also looks great when they're in good shape. If they are not maintained in a timely manner they will quickly degrade and turn hazy or misty. This can reduce the thermal efficiency and look unappealing.
If double-glazed windows begin to mist, it's an indication that the seals aren't working. 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 could also be due to old seals that are worn out. This is most common in older aluminum framed double glazing, however modern plastic-framed units have issues with this.
There is a way to solve the problem by replacing the double-glazed glass unit and it's much cheaper than installing 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.
repair double glazing windows claim to fix the issue by drilling holes in the windows and injecting chemicals, which will eliminate the condensation fog & damp. However, this isn't an option that lasts and could cause damage to the window.
The best recommendation is to ensure you use a reputable and skilled fitters when installing your double glazed windows and doors, and keep copies of warranties, contracts, and the proof of payment. This can be extremely helpful should you encounter issues with your double glazing. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also recommended to ensure that the seals are in good condition. By following these simple guidelines, your double glazing should last for many years to come. If you do experience any problems, then don't ignore them as they will only get worse. It is always best to fix problems early, before they turn into expensive repairs or a replacement job.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated by two glass panes separated by an air layer usually argon. This improves the efficiency of your home by allowing heat to enter the colder months. However condensation in double glazing can be a problem.
Condensation is usually caused by variations in temperature between air and the glazed windowpanes. It can occur when it is particularly cold, or at night. The condensation appears as tiny droplets on the window surface. Fortunately, this is not necessarily a sign that your windows are in poor condition. It is important to remember that this could be an indication of inadequate ventilation.
Another reason condensation can develop is that moisture could get in between the panes your double glazed window. This can then cause the growth of damp and mould in your home, which could be difficult to get rid of without replacing the windows. If you suspect there is a problem you must contact your installer to file a claim for the warranty you were given when you bought your double glazing.
Double glazed windows that are misty could reduce the efficiency of your home's cooling and heating. This means that your heating is used to warm the area around the window rather than to keep yourself warm.
In the majority of cases, a double-glazed window that has become misty isn't something that can be fixed as the seal between the two glass panes has broken. This is a great time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient window that has an A rating.
Before attempting to fix double glazing on your own it is essential to have the right tools and equipment. A window cleaning kit is a must for this, and should include some rubber gloves, an ohm test and a squeegee to assist in taking out water. Using these tools, you can clean your double-glazed windows and ensure that they are watertight, and that the seals between the units are strong. A gasket roller can be used to push new seals into the corners of double glazing.