It's True That The Most Common Double Glazed Window Repair Debate Isn't As Black And White As You Might Think
Double Glazed Window Repair It's worth checking the warranty that comes with the majority of double-glazed windows. In general, it covers issues with the hardware of the window including hinges and locking mechanisms in the first 10 years. A break in the seal can be the cause of mist between your glass windows. This should be fixed immediately to avoid damp or mould growing within 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 is used to insulate between the panes has failed. This is a serious problem that must be dealt with immediately, especially during winter, when humidity levels are at their highest. It could also lead to damage to the sills and sealant, and even mildew or mould. Ideally double-glazed windows shouldn't experience condensation between the panes. However, it is not unusual to have high humidity or an extremely cold snap to trigger this problem. The issue can usually be resolved without the need to replace the entire window. A professional can drill small 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 between the windows can be due to air leakage or other factors outside the window. If this is the case, it will likely take longer for the moisture to accumulate in the window as the air has to be sufficiently warm for the water molecules to evaporate. In these instances it might be more beneficial to replace the double-glazed windows rather than repair the existing sealed units. A double-glazed window is made consisting of three or more pieces of insulated glass that are held together by a frame made of metal. The gap between the two of the windows is filled with a non-toxic gas for insulation like argon or krypton, and then sealed. The seal is responsible for preventing the insulating gas from escaping and also preventing moisture and air from entering through the gap. As the windows age, the seals get worse and let moisture in the gap between the glass panes. If the seals begin to leak, it is important to recognize this as it means that the double glazing is no longer performing as well as before. This could result in lower energy efficiency, increased heating costs, a damaged property and the risk of condensation between the windows. Mist It is perfectly normal to see condensation appear on your windows. This means that your double glazing system is operating well and is able to keep warm in your home. The condensation occurs because the air outside is warmer than the glass, and reaches its dew point before the window. Double glazing of high quality is an excellent way to achieve this. If you notice condensation on the inside of your window, 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 window as well as in carpets, on furniture and other areas in your home. Getting this checked out by a professional and making sure that there plenty of fresh air flowing through your home will help avoid it in the future. The other reason you might see mist in your double-glazed window is that the seal between the two panes is breaking down. This can be caused by wear and tear, or by using chemical cleaning products. The best thing to do is get the windows fixed in the shortest time possible. The professional repair of your windows will ensure that they are watertight and free from fogging, condensation and misting. It's also cheaper than replacing the windows, and you'll save money on your energy bills. A FENSA registered window installer can provide you with a quote for repair or replacement of your double glazed windows. Upgrade your old windows to A-rated energy-efficient ones if they are very old. It is a very good idea to keep copies of any warranties or agreements with your window fitters. It will be useful if you experience any problems with your windows. Contact your window fitters and resolve the problem. This is a much better option than ignore the issues that only make the problem worse and could cause other problems in the home. Difficulty to Open or Close When double glazed windows are difficult to open and close it's not just an inconvenience and can result in higher energy bills because of the loss of heat and draughts. It can also be a security issue especially when the locks aren't functioning correctly. It is recommended to fix double-glazed windows and doors as soon as you can. If you have tried to open your window using one of the easiest methods, like using a screwdriver or tapping the frame with a solid object the issue could be more serious. The window could have moved and needs to be reset or there may be a gap in between glass and frames. In either case, you must contact a double glazing repair specialist to ensure the repairs are done correctly and to prevent further problems. It is not common to find UPVC window handle and lock mechanisms to become difficult to operate or become stuck, especially if they are old and worn. It is usually caused by a build-up of dirt or grease inside the handle. This can be easily solved by cleaning it with a uPVC cleanser. If this does not work, you could try tapping the uPVC with the screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the handle or window handle mechanism. If this doesn't solve the issue, then the window may need to be replaced, as it is likely that the hinges are no more in the proper position or the locking mechanisms are damaged. In this instance you should consult a UPVC window specialist. David The Window Wizard is a specialist in double-glazed window and door repairs, including fixing double-glazed windows that have been blocked or locked. He has lots of experience in converting old window mechanisms into modern ones. This could save you money on replacing the entire window. Contact us today for more details or a free quote. Warping Double glazed windows are often a great option for saving energy in the home. They are made up of two separate panes which contain a spacer or dense gas between them. This creates a seal which keeps cold air out and warm inside. However, over time, these windows may be damaged or broken and require repair. The majority of these repairs can be completed without having to replace the entire window. Warping is a frequent issue when double-glazed windows are installed. This happens when windows start to bow, bend, or twist, which could alter the strength of the window and its insulating capabilities. Double glazed windows should be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this issue. Contact replacement windows when you realize that your double-glazed windows are sagging. This will help to prevent the situation from getting worse. They will be able inspect your windows to identify the cause. They will use special tools to fix your issue and make sure that your windows are fully sealed again. The most common cause of this issue is the presence of water vapour in the windows which can accumulate over time. This could be due to many different reasons, such as the weather, humidity and temperature variations. To resolve this issue the expert will drill a tiny hole to release moisture. The specialist will apply a cleaner on the glass to cleanse it, and then apply sealant. 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 lubricate these areas of the window prior to calling in a professional, since this will often resolve the issue and decrease the necessity for replacements. If your windows are dated or don't provide the insulation you require, it may be better to replace them.