Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Double Glazed Window Repair Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Double Glazed Window Repair
It's worth looking over the warranty that comes with the majority of double-glazed windows. In general, it covers problems with the window hardware - hinges and locking mechanisms within the first 10 years.
A break in the seal is typically the cause of mist between your glass windows. This should be addressed immediately to prevent damp or mould growing within your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If condensation forms between the windows in your home, it's an indication that the seal holding the gas that insulates between the panes has failed. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately, particularly in winter when the humidity levels are at their highest. This can also cause damage to sills or sealants and also cause mould.
Double-glazed windows shouldn't be able to have condensation between the panes. However, it is not unusual to have high humidity or an extremely cold snap to cause this issue. The issue can usually be resolved without having to replace the entire window. A professional can make tiny holes in the window and spray special cleaning solution inside. The moisture is then taken out of the window, and an anti-fogger device can be added to prevent further accumulation of moisture in the future.
Condensation can also occur between the windows as a result of air leakage, or other factors outside the window. If this is the case, it will likely take longer for the moisture to accumulate inside the window, since the air has to be sufficiently warm for the water molecules to evaporate. In these instances it is recommended to replace the double-glazed windows rather than repair the sealed units that are in place.
A double-glazed window is constructed consisting of two or three pieces of insulated glass, held together by a metal frame. The gap in the middle of the window is filled with a non-toxic gas for insulation such as argon or krypton and then sealed. The seal prevents the gases that are insulating from escape and also blocks air and moisture from entering the gap.
As windows age, seals be damaged, allowing moisture to enter between the glass panes. It is important to recognise when seals are beginning to leak and this means that the double glazing is no longer functioning as well as it once was. This could lead to poor energy efficiency, a rise in heating bills, damaged property and the risk of condensation between the windows.
Mist
If you see condensation on the outside of your windows, it is perfectly normal and means that your double-glazed is functioning properly and retaining the heat in your home. The condensation is caused by the air outside is hotter than the glass, and it reaches the dew point of the window earlier than the air inside. This is one of the major advantages of having high-quality double glazing.
If the condensation is located on the inside of your window then this could be an indication of a ventilation issue in your home. This is because the extra moisture isn't going anywhere and is deposited on your windows or in carpets, furniture and in other places in your home. The process of having this examined by an expert and making sure that there is plenty of fresh air flowing through your home will help avoid it from happening in the future.
The other reason you might have mist on your double glazed window is that the seal between the two panes has worn down. This could be due to wear and tear or chemical cleaning solutions that are being employed. The best option is to get the windows repaired in the shortest time possible.
Professionally repairing your windows will ensure they remain fog-free free of condensation and free of misting. It is also a lot cheaper than replacing them completely and it will reduce your energy bills.
A FENSA registered window installer can provide you with a quote for the repair or replacement of your double glazed windows. Upgrade your old windows to A-rated energy-efficient ones in the event that they are extremely old.
It is best to keep copies of any agreements and warranties with the window installers. This will be very useful should any issues with the windows develop in the future, and you then contact your fitters to resolve these issues. This is a far better option than simply not addressing the issue that will only get worse and may lead to other problems in the home.
Open or close with difficulty
If double-glazed windows become difficult to open and close, it's not just a nuisance, it can lead to an increase in energy costs due to the loss of heat and draughts. It could also be a security issue, particularly when the locks aren't functioning correctly. It is essential to fix any issues with double-glazed doors and windows when you spot them.
If you can't open your windows and have tried the simplest of fixes such as using a screwdriver to pry it open or rubbing the frame using a sharp object, then the issue could be more serious. It could be that the window has moved in its frame and needs to be set again or it could be that there is an opening between the glass panes as well as the frames. In either of these scenarios, you must seek out an experienced double glazing repair expert to make sure that the right repairs are made to avoid any future issues.
It is not uncommon to find UPVC window handle and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or get stuck particularly if they're old and worn. This is due to an accumulation of dirt or grease within the handle. It can be resolved by cleaning it using a uPVC cleaner. If this doesn't work, you could try gently tapping the uPVC frame with a hard object, such as a screwdriver, taking care not to scratch the handle or the mechanism for window handles.
If this doesn't solve the problem it is likely that the window needs to be replaced since the hinges may not be in the proper place or the locking mechanism may have been damaged. In this case, you should contact an UPVC window expert.
David The Window Wizard specialises in all technical aspects of double-glazed repair of doors and windows, including fixing a jammed or shut double glazed window. He has plenty of experience converting old window mechanisms to modern. This could save you money in the replacement of the entire window. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a free quote, contact us by phone or email us today.
Warping
Double glazed windows are often an excellent option to save energy in the home. They are composed of two separate panes which have a spacer or dense gas in between them. This creates a seal which keeps cold air out and warm inside. However, over time windows can become damaged or break and require repair. Fortunately, the majority of 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 happens when windows begin to bow, bend or twist, which may affect the structural integrity of the window and its insulating capabilities. Double-glazed windows must be properly installed and maintained to avoid this problem.
If your double glazed windows are starting to swell, it's essential to speak with a professional immediately to stop the issue from becoming worse. They can inspect your windows to identify the root cause. They will use specific tools to correct the issue and make sure that your windows are fully sealed again.
Water vapour can cause this problem, as it can build up between the windows over time. This could be due to various factors including the weather, humidity and temperature variations. To fix upvc window repairs will drill a small hole through the window to release the moisture. They will then use an agent to clean the glass and then apply sealant to help protect it from moisture in the future.
If your windows aren't able to be opened or shut, it could be due to a damaged mechanism or hinges. It is advisable to grease these parts of the window before calling in a professional, since this will often resolve the issue and reduce the need for replacements. However, if your windows are very old or are not providing the insulation you'd like to see, it is often better to replace them.