Double Glazed Window Repair
It is worth looking into the warranty included with double-glazed windows in the majority of cases. It typically covers any issues with window hardware, including hinges and locking mechanisms within the first ten years.
A break in the seal can be the reason for mist to form between your glass windows. This needs to be repaired immediately to avoid damp or mould growing in your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If condensation appears between your windows, this could be an indication that the sealing in the gases that insulate the window has failed. This could be a major problem that should be addressed immediately particularly in winter, when humidity is at its highest. It could also lead to damage to the sills, sealant, and may cause mildew or mould.
Ideally double-glazed windows shouldn't have condensation between the panes. This problem can be caused by high humidity or a very cold snap. Fortunately, this is usually repairable without having to replace the entire window. A professional can drill tiny holes in the glass and spray the inside of the window with a special cleaning solution. The moisture is then removed from the window. An anti-fogger can be installed to stop the build-up of moisture in the future.
Condensation can also happen between windows due to air leakage, or other causes outside the window. If this is the case, it will likely take longer for moisture to gather in the window as the air must be warm enough for the water molecules to evaporate. In these cases it is best to replace double-glazed windows rather than attempt to repair the sealed units.
A double-glazed glass window is composed of two or more pieces of tempered, insulated glass that are joined by a metal framework. The gap in the middle of the windows is filled with a non-toxic gas for insulation like argon or Krypton and then sealed. The seal is responsible for stopping the insulating gas from escaping, and it also stops moisture and air from entering through the gap.
As the windows age, the seals weaken and allow moisture to leak into the gap between the glass panes. It is important to recognise when the seals are leaking because it indicates that the double glazing is no longer functioning as efficiently as it did in the past. This can lead to lower efficiency in energy use, higher heating bills, damage to property and the risk of condensation forming between the windows.
Mist
It is perfectly normal to see condensation appear on your windows. This indicates that your double glazing system is operating well and is able to keep the heat inside your home. The condensation forms because the outside air is more warm than the glass, and reaches its dew point before the window. 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 indicate an issue with ventilation in your home. The excess moisture can't be absorbed and end in the carpet, window furniture, and other areas of your home. This can be prevented by having it examined by an expert and ensuring that there is enough fresh air inside your home.
Another reason you could see mist in your double-glazed window is that the seal between the two panes has worn down. This could be due wear and tear or chemical cleaning products being employed. If this happens the best solution is to get the windows repaired as soon as you can.
Professionally repairing your windows will ensure that they are fog-free, free of condensation and free of misting. This is also much cheaper than replacing the windows, and you will save money on your energy bills.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors registered with FENSA can provide you with a price to repair or replace your double glazed Windows. If your windows are old and have been in use for a long time, you may want to think about upgrading them to A-rated energy efficient ones.
It is a great idea to keep copies of any warranties and agreements with your window fitting company. This can be extremely helpful if any problems with the windows develop in the future, and you are able to then contact your installers to resolve the issue. This is a much better alternative to simply ignoring the problems that only make the problem worse and could lead to other issues in your home.
The difficulty of opening or closing the door
It's not only annoying when double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close. They can cause more expensive energy bills due to the loss of heat and draughts. It could also be security risks, particularly if the locks don't work properly. It is crucial to address any issues with double-glazed windows and doors as soon as you discover them.
If you're unable to open your window and you've tried the most basic of solutions like using a screwdriver to pry it open or tapping around the frame using a sharp object, then the problem may be more serious. The window may have moved and needs to be re-set or there may be a gap in between glass and frames. In either case, you should contact an experienced double glazing repair expert to make sure that the proper repairs are done and to prevent future problems.
It's not common 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 inside the handle. This can be solved by cleaning it using a uPVC cleaner. If this doesn't work, try tapping the uPVC with a screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the handle or window handle mechanism.
If this does not resolve the problem then the window may have 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 UPVC window specialist.
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 lots of experience converting old window mechanisms into modern. This could save you money by replacing the entire window. For more information or to schedule an estimate, call or email today.
Warping
Double-glazed windows can be an excellent way to save energy in your home. They are composed of two separate panes which have a spacer or dense gas between them. This creates a seal which keeps cold air out and warm air inside. In time, however, these windows may become damaged or break and require repair. Most of these repairs can be completed without replacing the entire window.
One of the most common issues double glazed windows experience is warping. The windows begin to flex or twist or bow. This can impact the structural integrity and insulating capabilities of the window. Double-glazed windows should be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this problem.
Contact a professional when you notice that your double-glazed windows are warping. This will help to keep the issue from getting worse. They will be able to examine your windows and identify the root cause of the warping. They will use special tools to fix your problem and ensure that you windows are completely sealed.
A common cause for this issue is the presence of water vapour that is trapped between the windows, which can accumulate over time. It can be caused by many different reasons including the weather, humidity and temperature fluctuations. To remedy this the expert will make tiny holes in the window to let out the moisture. The specialist will apply an agent for cleaning on the glass to cleanse it, and then apply an adhesive.
Alternatively, if your windows aren't being shut or opened, it may be a sign of a problem with the mechanism or hinges. It is recommended to grease these parts of the window prior to calling a professional since this will often resolve the issue and lessen the need for replacements. However, if your windows are quite old or are not providing the insulation you'd like to have It is generally better to replace them.