Double Glazed Window Repair
Most double glazed windows come with a guarantee, and it's worth checking what this covers. It usually covers issues with window hardware, such as hinges and locking mechanisms within the first ten years.
The mist that forms between the glass windows is usually caused by a break in the seal, and it's something that requires immediate repair to prevent mould or damp growing in your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If condensation forms between windows in your home, it is an indicator that the seal holding the gas that insulates between the panes has failed. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly, especially in winter, when humidity levels are at their highest. It could also lead to damage to the sills and sealant, and even mould or mildew.
Ideally, double-glazed windows should never have condensation between the panes. However, it is not uncommon 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 into the glass and then spray the inside of the window with a special cleaning solution. The water is then removed from the window and an anti-fogger device may be fitted to prevent further accumulation of moisture in the future.
Condensation between windows can also occur due to air leakage or other factors outside of the window. In this instance, it may take longer for the condensation in the window to build up because the air must be warm enough to vaporise the water molecules. In these cases it is best to replace double-glazed windows than attempt to repair the sealed units.
Double-glazed glass windows are comprised of two or more pieces of tempered, insulated glass, which are joined by a framework 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 gas that is insulating from escape and also preventing air and moisture from getting into the gap.
As windows age, seals may be damaged, allowing moisture to enter between the glass panes. When the seals leak it is essential to recognize this as it indicates that the double glazing is no longer performing as well as before. This could lead to lower energy efficiency, higher heating costs, damage to the property and the risk of condensation forming between windows.
Mist
If you have condensation on the outside of your windows, it is totally normal - it means that your double glazing is working well and keeping the heat inside your home. The condensation happens because the air outside is hotter than the glass, and then reaches the dew point of the window earlier than the air inside. This is one of the major benefits of having good quality double glazing.
If you see condensation on the inside of the window, this could be an indication of a ventilation issue within your home. The excess moisture won't go anywhere else and will end up on the carpet, window, furniture, and other parts of your home. Getting this checked out by a professional and making sure that there plenty of fresh air moving through the house will help to prevent it in the future.
Another reason for mist to appear on double-glazed windows is that the seal between two glass panes has been broken. This can be caused by wear and tear, or by using chemical cleaning products. If this occurs the best solution is to repair the windows as soon as you can.
Having your windows professionally repaired will ensure that they remain waterproof and free of fogging, condensation and misting. It's also cheaper than replacing your windows and you'll save money on your energy bill.
A FENSA certified window installer can offer a price for repair or replacement of your double-glazed windows. Upgrade your old windows to energy-efficient A-rated ones if they are very old.
It is best to keep copies of any agreements and warranties with your window installers. This can be extremely helpful in the event that any issues with your windows develop in the future, and you then contact your installers to resolve the issues. This is a much better option than simply not addressing the issue, which will only get worse and could lead to other issues within the home.
It is difficult to open or close
If double-glazed windows become difficult to open and close it isn't just annoying and can result in increased energy bills due to heat loss and draughts. It can also be a security issue especially if the locks aren't working correctly. It is important to repair double-glazed doors and windows as soon as you can.
If you have tried to open your window using the simplest methods, such as using an electric screwdriver or tapping the frame with a solid object the issue could be more serious. The window may have moved and needs to be reset or there may be a gap between glass and frames. In either case, you should contact a professional double glazing repair expert to ensure that the proper repairs are made to avoid any future issues.
It's not common to find UPVC window handles and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or stuck particularly when they're old and worn. This is due to an accumulation of dirt or grease inside the handle. This can be resolved by cleaning it with a uPVC cleaner. If this doesn't work then you could try gently tapping the uPVC frame using a hard object such as a screwdriver, being careful 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 could be damaged. In this situation, contact a specialist UPVC window repair expert.
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. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors has a lot of experience in converting old window mechanisms into modern ones. This could save you money in the replacement of the entire window. Contact us now for more information or a free estimate.
Warping
Double-glazed windows are an excellent way to save energy in your home. They are made up of two separate panes that have a spacer, or dense gas in between them. This creates a seal that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Over time, however windows can be damaged or broken and require repair. Fortunately, the majority of these repairs are easy and can be completed without the cost of replacing the entire window.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is warping. This occurs when windows begin to bend, twist or bow. This can impact the structural integrity and insulation capabilities of the window. The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure that your double glazed windows are properly installed and maintained regularly.
If your double-glazed windows are starting to crack, it's crucial to get in touch with a specialist immediately to help prevent the issue from becoming worse. They will be able to inspect your windows and identify the root cause of the warping. They will employ specific tools to correct the issue and ensure that your windows are completely sealed.
Water vapour can trigger this issue, since it can accumulate between the windows over time. This could be due to various elements, such as the weather, humidity levels and temperature fluctuations. To resolve this issue the expert will make tiny holes in the glass to let out the moisture. Then, they will use an agent for cleaning to wash the glass and apply sealant to help keep it dry in the future.
If your windows aren't able to be closed or opened, it could be due to a broken mechanism or hinges. Before calling an expert to resolve the issue, it's recommended to lubricate these parts. This will usually resolve the issue and reduce your need for replacements. However, if your windows are old or don't provide the level of insulation that you would like to see it is usually better to replace them.