Double Glaze Repair
Modern double glazing keeps us warm and secure but can cause a range of issues that can become nagging as time passes. These include draughts in between the panes and condensation as well as fogging.
Many of these issues can be easily fixed by a professional. This will allow the window to breathe and improve the thermal performance of your home.
Draughts
No matter if you have uPVC aluminium or timber double glazing, problems with it are likely to occur in time. These can be minor issues like a door or window that sticks or a lock or handle issue or misted glass. But they can also be more serious problems such as a leaking window that you cannot close or a broken seal. Some of these issues can be fixed at home, for instance a door or window that is stuck. Others require the expertise of a specialist and may require replacement.
Many of these small problems could be caused by the build-up of condensation, which could cause gaps between frames to form. This can allow cold air to get into your home, which can increase the cost of energy. This can be easily remedied by wiping the frames with a damp cloth in order to eliminate the moisture and then allow the material to shrink back. If this doesn't solve the problem, you can try a draught excluder which is available in various forms, such as brush seals and foam strips that are simply slipped into the gap to stop cold air from entering your home.
Leaking windows can be more serious and are usually the result of seals between the frame and the aperture have been damaged or broken. Again, these can be repaired by cleaning the drainage part of the window to remove any debris or by replacing the seals. It's worth checking your warranty since many companies provide a guarantee that covers these kinds of problems for 10 or 20 years and sometimes up to a lifetime guarantee.
It is also worth looking into having your double-glazed windows professionally draughtproofed after any minor issues are resolved. This can help increase the insulation of your home, reduce noise and help lower your energy costs. It can make your home more comfortable. It can also stop condensation from developing in the inner pane of your glass units which can cause damage to seals. You can also upgrade your glass to A-rated energy efficient glazing and further reduce the cost of heating.
Smudging
Double glazing can enhance the insulation in your home, and help keep it warm and comfortable. It is not indestructible and will need to be replaced over time. Fortunately, the majority of issues that can develop with double glazing are easily fixed and there's no reason to replace your windows or doors entirely.
Double glazing can be difficult to open or close. It can be due to various factors, including the frames expanding or shrinking slightly based on weather conditions and temperature. The hinges and handles could also become worn out making it difficult to operate windows and doors.
Double glazing can also cause smudging, which occurs when dust or dirt build-up on window seals, making them opaque. This is usually caused by condensation between the panes. It is essential to address the issue before it gets worse.
Window seals can be cleaned very easily using a mildly cleansed cloth. This will get rid of any dirt or abrasions on the surface and can be used on the frame's interior as well as on the outside. It is important to avoid using any material that is abrasive to the rubber seals though they could be damaged by them. If you have coloured window frames, it's a good idea to apply a cloth that is in line with the colour so as not to scratch the seals made of rubber.
Condensation and misting are indications that the double-glazed unit isn't holding in the insulating gas between the panes. This can lead to more expensive heating bills as the window isn't performing its job. It is costly to repair a window that is faulty.
Double glazing repair specialists are able to solve the vast majority double glazing problems. They can repair damaged panes, draughty windows, and even foggy glass. They can also upgrade your double-glazed units to an energy efficient product with an A rating, which will help to reduce your energy bills.
Mist
Double glazing is an excellent method to create a soundproofing, insulation and look nice when it's in good shape. However, if not maintained properly, they'll degrade quickly and turn cloudy or misty. This could reduce the efficiency of thermal heating and appear like a shabby look.
If double-glazed windows begin to mist, this is an indication that the seals are faulty. This could be due to poor installation, deterioration or even moisture inside the sealed unit.
The cause is usually condensation and humidity levels inside the home, but it can also be down to seals that are worn out. double glazing window repairs is more prevalent with older double glazing frames made of aluminium. However, modern plastic-framed units also suffer from this.
It is a lot less expensive 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 provide a wide range of replacement options to make your double glazed windows appear new.
Some companies claim they can resolve the issue by drilling tiny holes into the window and injecting chemicals to remove the fog & condensation. This is not a permanent fix and could damage your window.
It is recommended to employ only qualified and certified installers for the installation of double-glazed doors and windows. Also, keep copies of warranties, contracts and evidence of payment. If you have problems with your new double glazing in the future, then this can prove extremely useful in claiming a refund from the installer should you require it. Regular cleaning and maintenance is also recommended to keep the seals in good condition. By following these simple guidelines that your double glazing will last for a long time. If you do experience any issues, don't overlook them because they'll only get worse. It's always better to fix problems early before they turn into costly repairs or even replacing the job.
Condensation
Double-glazed windows are constructed with two glass panes separated by a layer of gas usually argon. This improves the efficiency of your home by allowing heat to enter the colder months. Double glazing can cause condensation.
Condensation occurs when there exist temperature differences between the air and the glazed windowpanes. This can happen at night or when it's particularly cold. The condensation is observed as droplets on the surface of the window. This is not necessarily an indication that your windows need to be replaced. However, it is important to note that this could also be a sign of poor ventilation in your home.
Moisture can also be trapped between the panes of the double-glazed windows. This can cause an accumulation of damp and mould in your home that may be difficult or impossible to remove without replacing your windows. If you discover that there is a problem, you should contact your installer to claim for the warranty you received when you purchased 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 your home warm.
In most cases, a double-glazed window that is now cloudy isn't able to be repaired, as the seal between the two glass panes has broken. However, it could be an ideal time to upgrade your windows to an A-rated energy efficient unit.
Before attempting to repair double glazing yourself it is crucial that you have the proper tools and equipment. A window cleaning kit is a must for this, and must include rubber gloves, an ohm tester and a squeegee for removing water. These tools can be used to clean double-glazed windows ensuring that they are watertight and that the seals are strong. You can also make use of a gasket roller to assist in pushing new seals into the corners of your double glazing.