Double Glazed Window Repair
Double-glazed windows are usually covered with a guarantee, and it's worth checking the scope of this warranty. It usually covers any problems with window hardware, including hinges and locking mechanisms within the first 10 years.
The mist that forms between the glass windows can be caused by a break in the seal and requires immediate repair to prevent damp or mould growing in your home.
Condensation Between the Windows
If you notice condensation appearing between your windows, it is an indication that the sealing in the gases that insulate the window has failed. This is a serious problem that should be addressed promptly, especially in winter when the humidity levels are at their highest. This could also cause damage to sills and sealants, as well as mould.
Double-glazed windows should not have condensation between the panes. However, it's not unusual for extreme humidity or a cold snap to trigger this issue. This issue is usually resolved without the need 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 water is then taken out of the window and an anti-fogger device can be fitted to prevent further accumulation of moisture in the future.
Condensation can also occur between the windows due to air leakage, or other factors outside the window. In this case it can take a longer time for moisture in the window to accumulate, because the air must be sufficiently warm to vaporise the water molecules. In these cases it is best to replace double-glazed windows rather than attempt to repair the sealed units.
A double-glazed glass window comprised of two or more pieces of tempered, insulated glass, which are joined by a metal frame. The gap between the two windows is filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or Krypton and then sealed. The seal prevents the insulating gases from leaving and also stops air and moisture from entering the gap.
As the windows age, the seals will weaken and allow moisture to leak into the gap between the glass panes. It is important to recognise when seals are beginning to leak and this means that the double glazing isn't performing as well as it once was. This could lead to poor energy efficiency, increased heating costs, a damaged properties and the risk of condensation between the windows.
Mist
It is perfectly normal to observe condensation on your windows. This means that your double glazing system is functioning correctly and is able to maintain the heat inside your home. The condensation forms because the air outside is warmer than the glass and reaches its dew point before the window does. Double glazing that is of the highest quality is an excellent way to get this.
If the condensation is located on the inside of your window, it could be a sign of a ventilation issue in your home. This is because the excess moisture has no place to go and ends up on your window, in carpets, in furniture, and in other areas in your home. The process of having this examined by a professional and making sure that there plenty of fresh air moving through the home will help prevent it in the future.
Another reason why mist appears on double-glazed windows is that the seal between two panes of glass is broken. This could be due to wear and tear or due to the use of chemical cleaning products. If this happens it is best to repair the windows in the shortest time possible.
Repairing your windows professionally will ensure that they are watertight and free from fogging, condensation and misting. It's also cheaper than replacing the windows and you will save money on your energy bill.
A FENSA registered window installer can provide you with a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of your double glazed windows. If upvc window repairs are very old and have been in use for a while you might want to consider upgrading them to new A-rated energy efficient windows.
It is a good idea to keep copies of any warranties or agreements with your window fitters. This can be extremely helpful should any issues with the windows develop in the future, and you can then contact your installers to resolve these issues. This is a far better alternative to simply not addressing the issue that will only get worse and could cause other issues in your home.
Close or open without difficulty
It's not just a nuisance when double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close. They can also lead to higher energy bills because of heat loss and draughts. It could also be security risks, particularly when the locks aren't functioning correctly. It is vital to fix any issues with double-glazed doors and windows as soon as you notice them.
If you can't open your window and you've tried the simplest solution such as using a screwdriver to prise it open, or tapping the frame with a tough object, then the issue may be more serious. The window could have moved and requires a reset or there could be a gap in between glass and frames. In either case, you should contact a professional double glazing repair expert to make sure that the correct repairs are done and to avoid any future issues.
It isn't uncommon to find UPVC window handles and lock mechanisms to become stuck or hard to operate, especially when they are old and worn. It is usually caused by an accumulation of grease or dirt in the handle. This is easily fixed by cleaning it with a uPVC cleanser. If this does not work, you could 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 issue it is likely that the window needs to be replaced as the hinges may not be in the proper position or the locking mechanism may have been damaged. In this case you should consult a specialist UPVC window repair expert.
David The Window Wizard is a specialist in double-glazed door and window repairs, which includes repairing windows that are double-glazed and have been blocked or locked. He has lots of experience in converting old window mechanisms into modern ones. This can save you money on replacing the entire window. Call or email us today for more details or a free estimate.
Warping
Double-glazed windows are the ideal way to cut down on energy in your home. They are made up of two separate panes that contain a spacer or dense gas between them. This creates a seal which keeps cold air out and warm air inside. However with time, these windows can be damaged or destroyed and require repair. Most of these repairs can be completed without replacing the entire window.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is warping. This happens when the windows begin to bend or twist or bow. This can impact the structural integrity and insulation properties of the windows. Double glazed windows should be properly installed and maintained to avoid this issue.
Contact a professional as soon as you notice that your double-glazed windows are sagging. This will help to keep the issue from getting worse. They will be able to examine your windows and determine the reason for the warping. They will then use specific tools to correct the problem and ensure that your windows are completely sealed again.
The most common cause of this issue is the presence of water vapour in the windows which can build up over time. This could be due to a variety of elements, such as the weather conditions as well as humidity levels and temperature fluctuations. To fix this problem, the specialist will drill a small hole to release moisture. The specialist will use an agent for cleaning on the glass to cleanse it and then apply an adhesive.
If your windows aren't able to be closed or opened, it could be due to a malfunctioning mechanism or hinges. It is recommended to lubricate these parts of the window before calling a professional as this may resolve the issue and decrease the need for replacements. However, if your windows are quite old or do not provide the insulation you would like to see It is generally better to replace them.