Double Glazed Window Repair
Most double glazed windows come with a warranty, so it's important to know the scope of this warranty. Repair My Windows And Doors covers any issues with the hardware of the window - hinges and locking mechanisms - in the first 10 years.
A break in the seal can be the reason for mist to form 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 windows in your home, it is an indication that the seal securing the gas that is used to insulate between the panes has failed. This is a serious issue that should be addressed promptly, especially in winter when the humidity levels are at their highest. It could also lead to damage around the sills and sealant, or even mildew or mould.
Double-glazed windows should not have condensation between the panes. This issue is often caused by excessive humidity or a particularly cold snap. The issue can usually be resolved without the need to replace an entire window. A professional can make tiny holes in the window and then spray a special cleaning solution inside. The moisture is then removed 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 scenario, it's likely to take longer for moisture to collect inside the window, since the air has to be warm enough for the water molecules to vaporise. In these instances it is best to replace double-glazed windows rather than trying to repair the sealed units.
Double-glazed glass windows are composed of two or more pieces of insulated tempered glass, which are joined by a metal framework. The gap in the middle 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 prevents air and moisture from entering into the gap.
As windows age, seals may deteriorate allowing moisture to leak between the glass panes. It is important to recognise when seals are beginning to leak, as it means that the double glazing isn't performing as well as it once was. This could lead to lower energy efficiency, higher heating bills, property damage, and the risk of condensation developing between the windows.
Mist
It is normal to see condensation appear on your windows. This means that your double glazing system is operating correctly and is able to maintain heat in your house. The condensation occurs because the air outside is warmer than the glass and reaches its dew point before the window does. This is among the many benefits of having good quality double glazing.
If the condensation is located on the inside of your window then this could be an indication of a ventilation problem in your home. This is because the extra moisture has nowhere to go and ends up on your window, in carpets, in furniture, and in other areas in your home. This can be prevented by having it examined by a professional and ensuring that there is enough fresh air in the house.
Another reason why mist appears on double-glazed windows is because the seal between two panes of glass has broken. This could be due to wear and tear or chemical cleaning products that are being used. The best thing to do is get the windows repaired as soon as you can.
A professional repair of your windows will ensure that they remain clear of fog free of condensation and free of misting. This is also much cheaper than replacing the windows and you will save money on your energy bill.
A window installer registered with FENSA can give you a quote to repair or replace your double glazed Windows. If your existing windows are very old and have been in use for a long time, you may want to consider changing them to new A-rated energy efficient windows.
It is a very good idea to keep copies of any warranties and agreements with your window fitters. This will be very useful if any problems with the windows develop in the future, and you can then contact your fitters to resolve the issues. This is a better option than ignore the issues, which will only get worse and could lead to other problems in the home.
Close or open with difficulty
It's not just a nuisance when double-glazed windows are hard to open or close. They can also result in more expensive energy bills due to heat loss and draughts. It could also be a security problem especially when the locks aren't operating correctly. You should fix any double-glazed doors and windows as soon as you can.
If you're unable to open your windows and have tried the simplest solution like using a screwdriver in order to break it open, or tapping the frame with a hard object, then the issue may be more serious. The window may have moved and requires a reset or there may be a gap in between glass and frames. In any case, it is recommended to contact an experienced double glazing repair expert to ensure that the correct repairs are done and to prevent any further problems.
It isn't common to find UPVC window handles and lock mechanisms to become stuck or hard to operate, especially when they are worn and old. This is usually due to an accumulation of dirt or grease in the handle. This is easily fixed by cleaning it with a uPVC cleanser. If this does not work, try tapping the uPVC using a screwdriver. Be careful not to harm the handle or the window handle mechanism.
If this doesn't resolve the problem then the window will have to be replaced because the hinges may not be in the correct position or the locking mechanism may have been damaged. In this instance, you must 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 locked shut double glass window. He has vast experience converting discontinued window mechanisms to modern ones. He can often save you the expense of replacing the entire window. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate.
Warping
Double glazed windows are often a great option for saving energy in the home. They are made up of two separate panes that contain a spacer or dense gas between them. This creates a seal that keeps cold air out and warm air inside. Over time, however windows can become damaged or break and require repair. Fortunately, the majority of these repairs are easy and can be done 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 could affect the strength of the window as well as its insulation capabilities. Double-glazed windows must be installed correctly and maintained regularly to avoid this problem.
Contact a professional when you realize that your double-glazed windows are sagging. This will help to stop the problem from becoming worse. They will be able to examine your windows and determine the root cause of the warping. They will make use of special tools to correct your issue and ensure that your windows are sealed properly.
Water vapour can trigger this issue because it can accumulate between the windows over time. It can be caused by a variety of elements, such as the weather as well as humidity levels and temperature changes. To resolve this issue the expert will drill a small hole in the glass to let out the moisture. The specialist will apply an agent for cleaning on the glass to clean it and then apply an adhesive.
If your windows aren't able to be shut or opened it could be due to a malfunctioning mechanism or hinges. Before calling a professional to fix the issue, it's worth lubricating the parts. This can usually fix the issue and reduce your need for replacements. If your windows are dated or don't provide the insulation you desire, it may be better to replace them.