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Double Glazed Window Repairs Double glazing is a great investment, but frustrating when it fails to work. Luckily, most problems are fixable and you do not need to replace your windows or doors. Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panels separated by a thin gap, filled with insulating gas such as Krypton or argon. This improves the thermal efficiency of windows. Broken panes
Double-pane windows are difficult to break than single pane glass, they may break or shatter. It's important to fix the broken pane of double glazing as quickly as you can to prevent the loss of energy and moisture. You can opt for an immediate repair or a more intense epoxy fix based on the severity of your crack. A temporary repair can help keep cracks from spreading and protect against cold and rain. A more extensive repair can make the crack stronger and provide more secure seal. To replace a damaged double-pane windows, first remove the frame from the sash and place it on the table. Install a duct tap grid over the pane in order to stop glass fragments from falling during removal. After the tape is installed, remove the double-pane glass that was previously in the frame. Then, clean the rabbet and grooves using a wire brush, vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. If needed, take off the wood molding and scrape off all putty or metal points before putting in the replacement pane. Apply silicone caulk to the rabbets and grooves to ensure a secure fit. If you're looking to fix damaged windows yourself, begin by sanding the rabbet until it's smooth and free of paint or gunk. You could also use a heat gun to soften any glazing points. After the rabbet is cleaned, you can use a putty knife to push ropes into place. Make sure that the putty is an even thickness and is pressed against the glass and the frame in a uniform way. If you're looking for a longer-term fix, an epoxy repair is a better choice than a replacement. This option is more costly and requires a longer waiting time however, it is also more attractive. It will also last longer than an immediate fix. Condensation Condensation can be a common problem with double-glazed windows, however, it doesn't mean that they are defective. The fact that your windows show condensation is actually a good indication that your double glazing is doing what it's supposed do, keeping the cold out and the warmth in. If you notice condensation appearing on the outside of your window, it is actually water vapor coming from the inside of your home that has cooled and condensed onto the surface of the glass. It's quite a natural phenomenon and isn't going to cause any damage to your windows unless you let it remain on the glass for too long. The cause of internal condensation is usually a lack of humidity or low temperatures in the room. This creates cold surfaces, like windows which draw in moisture with a high dewpoint (the temperature at which water transforms into a liquid). The steam from showers, kettles and hot pots as well as cookers can also create humidity in kitchens and bathrooms. Do not hang wet clothes close to windows and ensure that your uPVC frames are properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Also, make sure that your double-glazed windows are properly insulated and fitted, with the proper gap (6mm is best) to ensure maximum energy efficiency. You can also try adding one-way air vents to your windows to improve insulation. If you're still getting condensation, however, then there's probably an issue with gaskets or seals and this is an issue that requires the expertise of an expert. Draughts A draughty window is an indication that the seal between the glass panes of your double-glazing has begun to leak, and it's likely to require replacement. This could affect the insulation of your home and result in an increase in your energy bills which is why it's crucial to act as soon as you spot this issue. Draughts can also be caused by issues with the locking mechanisms of double glazed windows It's a good idea to have these checked. Older uPVC window locks are infamous for becoming stiff with time however it's easy to fix this by lubricating them regularly with a specialist uPVC cleaning product. A professional double glazing company perform your repair work will ensure that the work is done correctly. They will have the right tools to ensure that your window is completely resealed and watertight. They'll also be able repair any other damage to your frame so you can enjoy your stunning new double-glazed window with confidence. Double-glazed windows are strong and long-lasting, but they can develop issues due to weather or wear and tear. Call your local double-glazing repair company whenever you notice any of these issues. You'll be grateful you did it - a double glazing installation that is repaired properly will give your home a a tangible feeling of quality, and will also save your energy costs! Smudging Double-glazed windows comprise two separate panes, with an air or spacer dense gas between them to make an effective seal that stops heating from entering the frame. They're a great option to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint. Double glazing can have several issues that can impact its performance and longevity. This includes condensation, mist and being difficult to open or close. The difficulty in opening your double-glazed windows could be caused by the weather or it could be a problem with the hinges or handles or mechanism. You can solve the issue by lubricating and wiping down the windows with cold water. Contact the company who supplied you with the windows as early as you can to fix them. This is another issue that is easily fixable. It's always worth checking your warranty to see if there are any repairs covered. Fogged or foggy glass can be caused by the presence of moisture between the panes. It's usually a sign that the seals are faulty or that the double-glazing system needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be accomplished without having to replace the entire window. To resolve this issue the technician will drill small holes to vent any moisture that is trapped between the glass and the rest the window. Once the moisture has been removed, a new antifog coating is applied and the window is sealed. Sometimes, the window will require removal prior to this can happen, but most of the time, it is done from the inside of the home. Mist Double glazing that has been in use for a long time may be prone to mist, especially when it happens both in and out of the window. It is due to an issue with the seal designed to prevent air and moisture between the two panes. During the manufacture of double-glazed units the seal is made by sealing both panes using an airtight butyl or polysulphide seal around the edges of the glass and spacer bar. This is designed to create insulation and prevent the window from leaks. If you have misted double glazed windows, it may be difficult to take off and clean, as you will need to break the hardened seal to clean. The issue with mists is that they allow moisture to enter, which leads to condensation between the glass panes. The reason is that there is a significant difference in temperature between the inside and exterior glass's surfaces. The moisture is encased in the spaces, creating a milky appearance. This can be quite ugly and it can be a pain to eliminate. There are a number of companies who claim to be able to repair your double-glazed windows that are misting by drilling holes into the unit and injecting chemicals through the holes, which absorbs the moisture inside. But, this isn't an end-to-end solution and it is far easier to replace the whole double-glazed unit in the event that you are experiencing misting. It is recommended to keep your windows clean and conditioned regularly. Use extractor fans to reduce the buildup of moisture in kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe down windows using a moist cloth to prevent this. If you can't avoid the issue, we suggest that you replace windows that are double-glazed with A-rated windows to increase the efficiency of your energy bills. |
