Watch Out: How Double Glazed Window Repair Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Double Glazed Window Repair Most double glazed windows come with a guarantee, and it's important to know what this covers. It typically covers any issues with window hardware, such as hinges and locking mechanisms within the first 10 years. A leak in the seal is typically the reason for mist appearing between your glass windows. This issue must be addressed immediately to prevent damp or mould growing in your home. Condensation Between the Windows If condensation forms between the windows in your home, it is an indication that the seal that holds the gas that insulates between the panes has failed. This could be a major issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible particularly in winter, when humidity is at its highest. It could also lead to damage to the sills and sealant, and may cause mould or mildew. Double-glazed windows shouldn't have condensation between the panes. However, it is not common to have extreme humidity or a cold snap to cause this problem. Fortunately, this is usually repairable without having to replace the entire window. A professional can drill tiny holes in the glass and then spray the inside of the window with a special cleaning solution. The water is then drained from the window. Additionally, an anti-fogger is fitted to prevent future moisture buildup. Condensation may also occur between the windows due to air leakage, or any other cause outside the window. In this case, it may take longer for moisture in the window to build up, as the air must be sufficiently warm to vaporise the water molecules. In these cases, it may be better to replace the double glazed windows instead of trying to repair the existing sealed units. A double-glazed window is made consisting of three or two pieces of insulated glass that are held together by a metal frame. The gap in the middle of the windows is filled with a non-toxic insulating gas like argon or krypton, and then sealed. The seal is responsible for preventing the gas that is insulating from escape and also prevents air and moisture from getting through the gap. As windows age, seals may be damaged, allowing moisture to enter between the glass panes. When the seals leak, it is important to notice this because it means that the double glazing isn't performing the way it did in the past. This could result in a decrease in efficiency in energy use, higher heating bills, property damage and the risk of condensation developing between the windows. Mist If you see condensation on the outside of your windows, this is totally normal – it indicates that your double glazing is functioning properly and retaining the heat in your home. The condensation is caused by the air outside is hotter than the glass, and reaches the dew point of the window prior to the air inside. This is among the many advantages of having high quality double glazing. If the condensation is on the inside of your window, it could be a sign of a problem with the ventilation in your home. This is because the excess moisture has nowhere to go and ends up on your window or in carpets, furniture, and in other areas around your home. This can be avoided by having it inspected by a professional and making sure that there is enough fresh air inside your home. Another reason why you may have mist on your double-glazed window is that the seal between the two panes has worn down. This can be caused by wear and tear or due to the use of chemical cleaning solutions. The most effective solution is to get the windows repaired in the shortest time possible. Professionally repairing your windows will ensure that they are fog-free free of condensation and free of misting. It's also cheaper than replacing them entirely and will save you money on your energy costs. A FENSA registered window installer will provide you with a quote for repair or replacement of your double glazed windows. If your windows are old and have been used for a long time you might want to consider upgrading them to A-rated energy efficient ones. It is a very good idea to keep copies of any warranties and agreements with your window fitters. upvc window repair near me can be extremely helpful if any problems with the windows occur in the future, and you can then contact your window fitters to resolve the issues. This is a much better option than ignoring the problems, which will only get worse and could lead to other problems in the home. Close or open with difficulty It's not only annoying when double-glazed windows are hard to open or close. They can cause more energy costs due to the loss of heat and draughts. It can also be a security issue, particularly if the locks aren't working properly. It is recommended to fix double-glazed doors and windows as soon as you can. If you've tried opening your window using one of the easiest methods, such as using an electric screwdriver or tapping the frame with a solid object, the problem could be more serious. The window may have shifted and requires a reset or there may be a gap in between glass and frames. In any case, it is recommended to seek out an experienced double glazing repair expert to ensure that the right repairs are done and to avoid any future issues. It is not uncommon for UPVC window handles and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or stuck particularly if they're old and worn. This is caused by an accumulation of grease or dirt inside the handle. This can be solved by cleaning it with a uPVC cleaner. If this does not work, try tapping the uPVC with the screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the handle or window handle mechanism. If this doesn't resolve the problem then the window might need to be replaced, as it is likely that the hinges aren't longer in the correct position, or the locking mechanisms are damaged. In this case you should contact a specialist UPVC window repair expert. David The Window Wizard specialises in all technical aspects of double glazed window and door repair including fixing a jammed or shut double glass window. He has plenty of experience in converting older window mechanisms into modern. This could save you money in the replacement of the entire window. Call or email us today for more information or a free estimate. Warping Double-glazed windows are typically the best option for saving energy at home. They consist of two separate panes that have a spacer, air or a dense gas between the panes, creating an airtight seal that keeps cold air out and warm air in. However, over time, windows can be damaged or destroyed and require repair. Most repairs can be done without having to replace the entire window. Warping is a frequent issue when double-glazed windows are installed. The windows begin to bend, twist or bow. This can affect the structural integrity and insulation capabilities of the window. The best method to avoid this problem is to ensure that double-glazed windows are installed correctly and maintained regularly. If your double glazed windows are beginning to crack, it's important to contact a specialist immediately to stop the situation from worsening. They will be able inspect your windows to pinpoint the cause. They will make use of special tools to correct your problem and ensure that you windows are fully sealed again. A common cause of this issue is the presence of water vapour in the windows which can accumulate over time. This could be due to various factors including weather conditions, humidity and temperature fluctuations. To fix this problem the expert will drill a tiny hole to let out moisture. The specialist will apply an agent for cleaning on the glass to cleanse it, then apply an adhesive. If windows aren't able to be closed or opened, this could be an indication of a broken mechanism or hinges. It is advisable to grease these parts of the window prior to calling a professional since this will often resolve the issue and decrease the necessity for replacements. If your windows are quite old or do not provide the level of insulation that you would like to see, it is often better to replace them.