Why It's Important to Have Your Double Glazed Windows Repaired
Double glazing can develop issues over time. Some of these issues include condensation between the panes, or mist that blocks sunlight.
Thankfully many of these issues can be addressed without the cost associated with replacement windows. Repairing your double glazing will help you save money on your energy bills, and also increase the value of your home.
Panes damaged Panes
A double-paned window is comprised of two glass panels and an insulating space in between. The space between the two glass panels is filled with an inert usually Krypton or argon gas that slows down the heat transfer through the window. This provides increased energy efficiency. It is important to repair any damaged glass panes as soon as possible in order to avoid weather problems and dangers to your safety.
If a double-pane window becomes cloudy and the seal between the panes becomes broken. It could be caused by many factors, such as direct sunlight or extreme temperatures changes. Once the seal is broken, moisture enters and creates condensation. This makes it hard to see outside the window and could cause damage to the frame, and may cause wood rot.
To correct repairing double glazing windows to fix the issue, you must remove the old sealant from the edges of the window. To remove the old caulking and adhesive, you will need a putty or scraper. You can use a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the sealant but be careful not to overheat the glass or frame. After you have removed the old adhesive, you can seal the edge of the window.
You can also try a defogging process that involves running water or another vapor across the inside of the window in order to eliminate any condensation. This method is often mentioned in reviews, but could not be able to make the window's insulation return to its original value. In the majority of cases, it's recommended to replace the damaged glass pane with a new one purchased from an expert company.
Double pane windows are usually custom-designed for your home, which means you'll need to talk to a specialist in windows to assist you in replacing your glass. They will take your frame and measure it to ensure that you get the correct size of glass. They'll then replace the damaged glass and make sure everything is properly sealed and airtight. They'll also offer a guarantee so you can be certain of the quality of their work.
Condensation
Condensation between double-glazed windows can be a nagging issue. Particularly since the appearance of this moisture will indicate that heat is escaping your home. In the long run, this could be costly to repair. There are easy steps you can follow to reduce the likelihood of condensation forming. These include regular cleaning and ventilation. The windows and doors should be opened whenever possible to allow air circulation. Using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can also be beneficial. Ventilation is the key to preventing condensation from the household which is caused by humidity. If the moisture cannot escape it will develop on cold surfaces such as double glazing, mirrors and glass.
Typically condensation in double-glazed windows is due to a problem with the "spacer bar' that is located between each window pane. It is typically filled with desiccant, an absorbent material that soaks up any moisture that is leaking from the 'air gap' between the windows'. The tiniest defect in the seal can cause the desiccant to get saturated and not be capable of retaining moisture. This moisture appears as condensation on the window's glass.
In the event of extreme condensation, it could be required to replace the sealed unit completely. A professional should be sought to ensure that the process is done correctly. The technician will make use of drills to eliminate the excess moisture. They then seal the holes completely or apply an anti-fog coating to allow air to flow.
If your double glazing still falls under warranty, you must contact the company who installed it. They should be able solve the issue at no cost. If not, then you will need to find a reliable repair service for your double glazing who can provide you with an alternative unit at a reasonable price. This is generally the cheapest solution to deal with this type of condensation. In many cases, it is a much better option than replacing the entire window.
Draughts
Double glazing helps you reduce your energy bills by allowing warm air in the house and cold air out. In time, however it can develop issues requiring repairs. This could indicate that you must replace the windows completely. This will ensure that your property is as energy efficient as you can and you will have the most comfortable living space.
Damaged seals and condensation can create drafts. You should check whether the frame is in good condition and that there are no chips or cracks have developed. If you notice a draft, it could be a sign that the seal around the window has broken down, indicating that cold air is penetrating into your home. This can lead to an increase in heating costs and could be uncomfortable.
If you own UPVC windows then it is important to maintain them regularly to prevent draughts from developing. If you do not oil the hinges regularly they will start to stiffen, which can create a gap in which air can escape. Another reason for draughts is that the window sash has fallen and this can cause discomfort and a loss of effectiveness.
If you notice a draught, it is important that you call a double glazing repair service immediately to ensure they can fix the issue for you. The repair service will be able to help you determine the cause of the draught and replace any worn or damaged components. In some instances repairs could be as simple as filling any gaps between the wall and the frame.
Misting up of the glass could also indicate that the double glazing is not functioning effectively and needs replacing. You could replace the entire window or just the sealed units. You can also upgrade to energy-efficient windows that are A-rated by replacing your old ones. This will increase their performance and help you save money on energy bills.
A broken window lock is another problem that can arise with double glazing. This is a serious security issue that could make your home vulnerable to intruders and could cause a breach in your insurance coverage. You must seek out a reputable company to repair your double glazing to ensure that you are confident in the security of your home.
Security
Double-glazing is an excellent way to reduce your energy costs by preventing hot air from escaping from the building and cold air coming in. It also helps reduce noise levels, especially if you live in a busy area or near a motorway.
However, over time double glazing can start to exhibit issues. It may be that the doors or the windows become stiff, allowing draughts to enter the property or fail to close properly. Certain of these issues can be solved without having to replace the entire unit.
First of all, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional as they will be able to find the problem and solve it swiftly. This will prevent it from getting worse and help you save time and money in the long run. Often a door or window that is difficult to open can be fixed by simply cooling it down and applying grease. This will eliminate any stiffness from the lock mechanism or handle. If this doesn't resolve the problem, it might be time to replace your locking mechanisms or handles.
Another issue that is common is condensation between the glass panes. This is caused when the insulating gas inside the glass is depleted, leading to the moisture from the air seeping in through the gaps. This is a natural occurrence and will occur with the passage of time However it can be slowed by regularly cleaning your windows and using a condensation cleaner.
It is typical for older double-glazed windows to have large gaps between the frames or leaves. This could allow the loss of heat and rainwater into the home. This is a sign that the seals have failed and it's time to purchase new windows that are more insulated and lower energy bills.
Double-glazed doors and windows are extremely hard to break into and are usually a deterrent to burglars. However, it is important to think about upgrading your locks to a higher quality, as they will be more resistant to attempts to gain entry. Owen's Double Glazing Lock Repairs are experts at installing high-security door and window locks to block an easy entry into your Portsmouth home.