Double glazing can save you money and energy in your household bills. But, if homepage and doors are difficult to open or have sagged they could reduce their thermal efficiency.
The gap between two glass panes in a double-glazed window filled with an inert gas such as argon and krypton. This is the part of the window that a majority of people have problems with.
Broken Panes
Double glazing is designed to withstand the elements and hold glass in place, whether it's from a baseball or a strong wind. Broken or cracked glass window can make your home vulnerable to weather conditions and can increase costs for energy as air is able to go through or out of the house.
It's more convenient to let professionals deal with cracks, even if you can do it yourself. They can quickly request replacement glass for your window frames, and with a little knowledge, can complete the task in less time than you might think. Additionally, they often offer a warranty for their work, which isn't available when you attempt to repair it yourself.
The first step is to take off the old glass pane. It's recommended to wear thick gloves and eye protection for this step. After taking the glass off, use a putty blade to scrape off any remaining glazing compound or glazing points.
After you've removed the old glazing, you'll need to measure the opening of the new one. Make sure it's a little smaller than the old one so that the seal is secure. Use boiled linseed, or a clear coat of exterior paint on wooden windows to aid the new glass adhere to the frame.
The majority of companies offer a warranty on their products, generally of a period of 10 or 20 years, so be sure you inquire with them what yours covers and until when. It's recommended to submit any complaints written rather than via phone, to ensure that you have proof if the company does fail to fulfill their obligations or fail to address your concern.
If your double-glazed window is getting smoky it could be possible to buy a specialist kit that drills holes into the frame in order to draw moisture out and create a new seal. But, this is only an interim fix and could result in condensation or drafts in your home. While you can buy DIY kits, it's often easier and more cost-effective to work with professionals.
Leaking Seals
Double glazing is extremely durable, however it is susceptible to problems with time, particularly if you have a lot leaks. These can be caused by seals, condensation or even draughts. Double-glazed windows can typically be repaired to resolve the problem, preventing the need to replace them all the way through and saving thousands of pounds.
If your double-glazed window has started to leak, it could be a difficult problem to resolve. It is crucial to notify the installer immediately if you notice any dampness or water around the window frame. This will allow them to repair the seals and stop further damage.
A lot of people believe it's impossible to repair leaks in double glazing, however this isn't necessarily the case. In reality, the majority of double glazed windows can be fixed, as long as the seal hasn't been broken down and allowing condensation to pass between the panes. This will also stop the heat from your home escaping and could reduce your energy costs by making them lower.
Double glazing can also be difficult to open or close. In most cases, this is a simple issue which can be fixed by oiling the hinges and handles, or mechanisms. It is also important to check your warranty to determine if this is covered by the company that installed your double glazing. It is worthwhile looking through quotes to find the most affordable price and high-quality work should you need to replace your double glazing.
Double glazing that is misted is a common issue. It can happen with any glass unit. This is mainly because the seal on the glass unit can wear out over time and allow condensation to form between the two panes. Many companies will offer to blow air through the hole that was drilled into the glass to clear it of the condensation. This is a quick, cost-effective solution, but it isn't recommended because it only fixes the symptoms, not the cause of the problem.
Condensation
Double glazing can cause condensation. In many cases, it can be a positive sign since it means that your windows are working effectively and keeping your home warm and energy efficient. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps to ensure it doesn't happen in the future.
It is essential to make sure that your home is properly ventilated to ensure that your double-glazing performing just as it should. If you do not have this, condensation could build up on cold surfaces in your home, like mirrors and glass windows. This can be due to a variety of factors, including excessive humidity and an absence of air circulation, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms in which there is a good amount of moisture.
It is also important to remember that if you have an item with double-glazing that is under warranty, and have condensation issues, it is advisable to contact the installers. In most instances, this will be covered by the warranty and they will be able fix it for you at no extra cost.
Another option to address condensation issues is to purchase a dehumidifier, and then place it in the space that has the most issue. This will help take in the excess moisture and prevent it from causing damage to your double glazing and causing further issues within your home.
If you have a problem with condensation forming between your double-glazed units and it has been going on for quite some time, it's likely that the vacuum seal drawn at the factory has failed. This requires a replacement of the thermopane and it is recommended to have a professional do this as any attempts to interfere on the window units may invalidate the warranty.
Damage
Double glazing is designed to offer insulation to keep your home warm and reducing energy bills. However, there are instances of damage which could compromise the performance of your windows. Drafts are a common problem and can be caused by broken hinges or handles. This results in the loss of heat. These problems can be solved by replacing damaged parts.
Another issue that is frequently encountered is condensation between glass panes. This can be a problem as it obscures the view and can hinder light penetration. Fortunately, it can be corrected by replacing the affected panes. This is usually accomplished by removing the old unit and replacing it with a newer one. The unit may have to be cleaned and sanded in order to ensure that the seal is airtight.
Double-glazed windows that fog up are a much more serious issue. This means that the space between the glass panes has widened. This could be due to many factors, like strong winds or storms. It can also be due to a damaged window seal or the deterioration of the unit.
It is essential to act quickly in the event that your double-glazed windows are misting. The strength of the window could be damaged. This could lead to more energy bills and drafts in your home. Check if the double glazing is still covered by warranty. The manufacturer could provide an exchange.
A common double-glazed fault is that the doors and windows are difficult to open. This could be due to many things such as weather conditions and can be remedied by wiping down the mechanism or by applying oil.
Double glazing can be an excellent feature in many homes. However, it can also be damaged, and may require costly repairs. If you do spot any damage to your double-glazed windows, you must seek out a skilled glazier as soon as possible to get your double-glazed window repairs completed correctly. By taking the proper steps now, you can make sure that your double glazed windows will perform just as they should for many long time to come.
