Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and safe but can cause a range of annoying issues over time. This includes draughts between panes and condensation as well as fogging.
Many of these issues can be easily fixed by professionals. This will allow 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 are bound to develop over time. They can be minor irritations like a window or door that is stuck or a lock or handle issue or misted glass. However, they could also be more serious problems such as a leaky window that you are unable to close or a broken sealing. Some of these issues can be repaired at home, for instance the case of a window or door that is stuck. Others require the expertise of a specialist and may even need to be replaced.
These little issues are typically caused by the buildup of condensation that could cause gaps to develop between the frames. This can result in the cold air getting into your home, causing a rise in energy costs. You can easily solve this issue by wiping the frames with a damp towel to eliminate moisture and allow the frame to shrink. If this doesn't work, you can consider a draught-exclusion device that is available in many forms, such as brush seals and foam strips that are simply slipped into the gap to block cold air from getting into your home.
Leaking windows can be more serious and typically occur when the seals between the frame and the aperture have broken or deteriorated. They can also be fixed by cleaning the drainage area to eliminate any debris, or replacing the seals. Check your warranty. Many businesses offer a guarantee that covers these types problems for a period of 10, 20 or even 30 years, or sometimes a lifetime.
After minor issues are fixed If minor issues are resolved, you should consider having double-glazed windows professionally draughtproofed. This will improve the insulation of your home, cut down on noise and lower your energy costs. This will make your home more cosy and will stop condensation from developing on the inner glass panes of your units, which could cause damage to seals. Alternatively, you could upgrade your glass to A-rated energy efficient glazing and further reduce your heating costs.
Smudging
Double glazing can boost your home's insulation, making it more comfortable and warm. It's not a guarantee for durability and will have to be replaced as time passes. Many of the issues associated caused by double glazing can be easily addressed. You don't need to replace all your windows and doors.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. It can be due to a variety of factors, including the frames expanding or shrinking slightly based on weather conditions and temperature. The hinges and handles can also become worn out and make it difficult to operate windows and doors.
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 cause them to become opaque. This can be caused by condensation between the panes. It is important to correct the issue before it gets any worse.
A damp, clean cloth can be used to clean window seals. This will eliminate any dirt and abrasions that may be on the surface and can be used on the frame's interior and on the outside. It is recommended to avoid using anything that is abrasive to clean the rubber seals, since it may damage them. If you have colored window frames it's best to apply a cloth that is in line with the colour in order not to mark the seals' rubber.
Condensation and misting are indications that the double-glazed unit isn't holding the gas that is used to insulate the panes. This can lead to more expensive heating bills as the window isn't fulfilling its job. It can be expensive to repair windows that are damaged.
Luckily, the majority of double glazing problems can be resolved by specialists 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 which will reduce your energy costs.
Mist
Double glazing provides excellent insulation as well as soundproofing. It also looks great when they're in good working order. If they're not properly maintained, they can degrade quickly and become misted or cloudy. This reduces the efficiency of thermal heating in windows and makes them look shabby and unattractive.
When double glazed windows start to smudge, it's a clear sign that there is a problem with the window seals. This could be due to a poor installation, degrading or even moisture inside the sealed unit.
It can be caused by worn-out seals or humidity levels in the home. This is most common in older aluminium framed double glazing, however modern plastic-framed units can also suffer from this.
It is a lot less expensive to replace the double-glazed glass than install new windows. DG Servicing can replace the sealed unit without damaging the frame, and we offer a wide range of alternatives to make your double-glazed windows look brand new.
Some companies claim they can fix the problem 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.
It is recommended to employ only experienced and approved installers to install your double-glazed windows and doors. Also, keep copies of your warranties, contracts and documents of payment. If you encounter a problem with your new double glazing in the future, this will prove very useful in claiming a refund from the installer if needed. Regular cleaning and maintenance is advised to keep the seals in good condition. Follow these simple steps and your double-glazed windows will last for a long time. If you do encounter problems, then don't ignore them as they will only get worse. It is always best to fix them early on, before they turn into expensive repairs or an entire replacement.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are insulated with two glass panes separated with a layer of gas. This is usually argon. This improves the efficiency of your house by keeping heat inside the colder months. However condensation in double glazing can cause problems.
Condensation is usually caused by differences in temperature between the air and the window panes that are glazed. It can occur at the night or when it's extremely cold. The condensation is seen as drops on the surface of the window. It is, however, not necessarily a sign that your windows are in poor condition. However, it is important to know that this can also be a sign of poor ventilation within your home.
Moisture can also get trapped between the panes of the double-glazed windows. This could lead to a buildup of damp and mould in your home that may be difficult or impossible to remove without replacing your windows. If you notice that there's a problem, you should contact your installer to make a claim under the warranty you received when you purchased your double glazing.
Window frames that are stained by double glazing are not just ugly however, they also reduce the thermal efficiency of your home. This means your heating will be used to warm the area around the window instead of keeping you warm.
In the majority of cases, a double-glazed window that is now cloudy is not something that can be fixed as the seal between the two glass panes is broken. This is a great time to upgrade to an energy efficient window with an A rating.
Before you attempt to repair double glazing yourself it is essential that you have the proper tools and equipment. A window cleaning kit is a must for this, and must include some rubber gloves, an ohm test, and a squeegee for getting rid of water. These tools can be used to clean double-glazed windows ensuring that they are watertight and the seals are sturdy. You can also use a gasket roller to assist in pushing new seals into the corners of your double glazing.