10 Basics About Double Glazed Window Repair You Didn't Learn In School
Double Glazed Window Repair
It's worth looking over the warranty included with most double-glazed windows. It usually covers any problems with window hardware, such as hinges and locking mechanisms within the first ten years.
A break in the seal is usually the reason for mist appearing between your glass windows. This needs to be repaired immediately to avoid mould or damp forming in your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If condensation forms between windows in your home, it's an indicator that the seal securing the insulating gas between the panes has failed. This is a serious problem that must be dealt with immediately, especially during winter, when humidity levels are at their highest. This can also cause damage to the sills or sealants and also cause mould.
Double-glazed windows shouldn't have condensation between the panes. However, it's not uncommon to have high humidity or an extremely cold snap to trigger this problem. Fortunately, this is usually fixable without replacing the entire window. A professional can drill small holes in the glass and then spray the inside of the window with a specially-formulated cleaning solution. The water is then removed from the window and an anti-fogger is fitted to stop the build-up of moisture in the future.
Condensation in the windows could be caused by air leakage or other causes outside of the window. If this is the scenario, it's likely to take longer for the moisture to accumulate inside the window, since the air must be sufficiently warm for the water molecules to vaporise. In these instances it is recommended to replace the double glazed windows instead of trying to repair the seals on the existing units.
A double-glazed window is made up of three or more pieces of insulated glass held together by a frame made of metal. The gap between the two of the windows is filled with a non-toxic insulating gas like argon or Krypton and then sealed tightly. The seal prevents the insulating gas from escaping, and it also stops moisture and air from entering through the gap.
As windows get older, the seals deteriorate and can let moisture in the gap between the glass panes. When the seals leak it is crucial to notice this because it signifies that the double glazing isn't performing the way it did in the past. This can result in poor energy efficiency, increased heating bills, damaged property and the risk of condensation between the windows.
Mist
If you notice condensation on the outside of your windows this is normal and indicates that your double glazing is functioning properly and retaining the heat inside your home. The condensation develops because the outside air is warmer than the glass, and reaches its dew point before the window. This is among the many advantages of having high quality double glazing.
If the condensation is located on the side of your window, it could be a sign of a problem with the ventilation in your home. This is because the excess moisture isn't going anywhere and ends up on your window or in carpets, furniture and in other places around your home. It is possible to prevent this by having it examined by a professional and making sure that there is plenty of fresh air in your home.
The other reason you might get mist on your double glazed window is that the seal between the two panes has worn down. This could be due to wear and wear or chemical cleaning solutions that are being employed. The best option is to get the windows repaired as soon as you can.
Repairing your windows professionally will ensure they remain fog-free, free of condensation and free of misting. It is also a lot less expensive than replacing them all the way through and it will reduce your energy bills.
A window installer registered with FENSA can give you a quote to repair or replace your double glazed windows. If your windows are old and have been in use for a long time, you may want to consider upgrading them to new A-rated energy efficient windows.
It is best to keep copies of any warranties and agreements with your window installers. This can be extremely helpful should any issues with the windows develop in the future, and you are able to then contact your fitters to resolve these issues. This is a better option than ignoring the issue, which could lead to more problems for your home.
Close or open with difficulty
It's not only annoying when double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close. They can cause higher energy bills because of the loss of heat and draughts. It can also be a security issue especially when the locks aren't operating correctly. It is important to repair double-glazed doors and windows in the earliest time possible.
If you are unable to open your windows and have tried the most basic of solutions like using a screwdriver to prise it open or tapping around the frame with a hard object, then the issue may be more serious. It could be that the window has shifted within its frame and requires to be set again or there is gaps between the glass panes as well as the frames. In either of these scenarios, you must contact an experienced double glazing repair expert to ensure that the correct repairs are made and to avoid any future issues.
It is not unusual for UPVC window handle and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or stuck particularly if they're old and worn. This is usually due to a build-up of dirt or grease inside the handle. This is easily fixed by cleaning it with a uPVC cleanser. If this does not work, try tapping the uPVC using a screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the handle or the window handle mechanism.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, the window will need to be replaced as the hinges may not be in the proper position or the locking mechanism may have been damaged. In this case you should speak to an UPVC window specialist.
David The Window Wizard specialises in all technical aspects of double-glazed repair of doors and windows, including fixing a jammed or locked shut double glazed window. upvc window repair has plenty of experience converting old window mechanisms into modern. This can save you money on replacing the entire window. For more information or to request an appointment for a free quote, contact us by phone or email today.
Warping
Double-glazed windows are usually an excellent option to save energy at home. They consist of two separate panes which have a spacer or dense gas between them. This creates a seal which keeps cold air out and warm air inside. Over time, however windows can become damaged or break and require repair. Luckily, most of these repairs are simple and can be accomplished without the cost of replacing the entire window.
Warping is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. This occurs when the windows start to bow, bend or twist, which could affect the structural integrity of the window as well as its insulating capabilities. Double-glazed windows must be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this problem.
If your double-glazed windows are starting to warp, it is important to contact a specialist immediately to stop the situation from worsening. They will be able to inspect your windows and identify the root cause of the warping. They will make use of special tools to fix your issue and ensure that your windows are sealed properly.
The most common cause of this issue is water vapour in the windows which can accumulate over time. This could be due to many different reasons, such as humidity, weather conditions and temperature changes. To remedy this the expert will make a small hole in the glass to let out the moisture. Then, they will use an agent for cleaning to wash the glass and apply a sealant to help protect it from moisture in the future.
If your windows aren't able to be closed or opened, it could be due to a damaged mechanism or hinges. Before calling a professional to fix the problem, it is worth lubricating these parts. This will usually resolve the issue and reduce your need for replacements. If your windows are dated or don't provide the insulation you want It may be better to replace them.