Double Glazing Repairs Repairs may be needed If your double-glazed windows are difficult to open or show signs condensation. This is usually done without having to replace the whole window unit. It is best to leave the job of installing double glazing to professionals. Condensation Condensation of double glazing isn't just a nuisance however, it can also mean that warm air is leaving your home. It's generally a sign that the seal has been damaged or is deteriorating. It is best to replace the entire window if this is the case. In some cases, you may be in a position to use a hair dryer (from an appropriate distance) to evaporate the moisture between the glass panes. This is a temporary fix however, you should seek help from a professional as soon as possible. The longer the problem persists, the more damage to your double glazing, and even to your health. If the condensation is only on a small part of your window frame, you can usually get rid of it if you wipe it off quickly and often. If you notice condensation that extends across the entire frame of the window, it could indicate that the seal has become damaged and that the windows are no longer as thermally efficient than they should be. It can be caused by many causes that can cause condensation, but the most prevalent is excessive humidity or poor ventilation in your home. Double-glazed windows will show more condensation than single pane windows because humidity can easily form water droplets on cold surfaces. If your bathroom or kitchen are particularly humid, you may require a vent to help reduce the humidity levels. If your windows remain under warranty, you can contact their installer to discuss the issue and ask them to resolve it. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/salisbury-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ may be able to replace the unit or may have to install one-way vents in order to prevent further condensation. This is a better solution than replacing your double-glazed windows, as you will save money and time. Foggy Glass The windows that are stained with fog indicate that the seal on double-paned windows has failed. Double-pane windows have two glass panes with a space in between. This space is filled with energy efficient gasses like Krypton or argon. This helps keep temperature-controlled air inside your home, while keeping the outside elements out. If the seal is not strong enough, moisture may seep through and create fog. Foggy windows can make your home less efficient and look unattractive. Many homeowners prefer hiring an expert to repair their windows instead of replacing their windows. A glass specialist will be able to determine whether the windows can be fixed prior to making a recommendation. If they require replacement, they will be able to supply you with a top-quality replacement that isn't prone to foggy glass. Double glazing can also cause problems when it comes to the opening and closing of windows or doors. This can be caused by extreme weather or an alteration in the structure of the frame. Contact the company that sold you the double-glazing if you find it difficult to open. The majority of companies offer guarantees on their products, which last for a a set period of time. Some even provide lifetime warranties. If you are unable to resolve the issue with your supplier, it may be time to change providers. Always request written confirmation that your complaint has been acknowledged and any agreements signed to resolve it and what these dates are. If you have to change providers, this will make it much easier. The windows that are stained with a haze can be fixed through defogging, a process which involves drilling holes into the window, injecting a cleaning solution to remove the soiled liquid, and drying the interior of the glass. Before committing to this solution, it's important to consider whether it's appropriate for your home. Keep in mind, though, that it will not replace any energy efficiency loss from deteriorated window seals. Cracked Panes A crack in a double-glazed window may appear to be a minor issue however it could cause significant damage. It is crucial to get the crack repaired as soon as you can in order to avoid further damage especially if it's on the inside of the glass. Double-paned windows are made up of two glass panes that are assembled together. The space between the panes is filled with inert gases like argon or Krypton. This is to ensure that heat from your home isn't transferred through the glass. The gas slows heat transfer, so the warm air from your home may be transported through the window at a slower pace than if there was nothing between the panes of glass. It is crucial that windows are installed correctly and have a solid seal. A licensed glazier should be able to install the windows, as they'll be able to seal them securely to ensure the best insulation. If the seal on the window is not working then the gas in the panes might leak out and diminish their insulation properties, leading to cracking between two panes. A poor installation can also cause double-paned windows to break. The glass will expand and contract at different rates. This can cause stress cracks that develop over time and weaken the glass. If this is the case, it's important to find a professional Glazier who can be in a position to replace the damaged glass with an alternative that is more appropriate for your home. In the event that you find a crack in your double-glazed window crucial to be aware of the fact that it can't be repaired simply by filling in the crack with an adhesive. Double-paned windows require a tight seal between the two panes and any cracks will only worsen as time passes. It's important to keep in mind that handling broken glass is risky, so it's always best to get a professional glazier who have the right tools to complete the task. They will also be able remove the old sealant from the glass without causing further damage. Leaking Seals A double or triple-pane window consists of an insulated glass unit (IGU) with three or two sheets of annealed or tempered glass. The IGU is joined by the combination of aluminum spacers and polyurethane which creates an airtight seal between the windows, which prevents moisture from penetrating your home. As time passes the seal could be damaged and allow water to leak into. Usually it is due to the natural expansion and contraction of materials used to make your window. The sealant, whether polyurethane or silicone, may expand and contract slightly in response to variations in humidity and temperature which puts the IGU at the risk of deteriorating. When the seal breaks, the insulating fill-gas could leak and leave your windows with an appearance of fog and draughts which can reduce the efficiency of your home. When a window seal fails it could also lead to water or condensation between the panes, which you are unable to clean away. In some instances, the moisture may form permanent marks on the glass of your window. Generally, you can fix the problem by having your windows professionally defogged and resealed. This procedure requires professional equipment that removes moisture, fills the void with Krypton or argon gas, and then seals the window, preventing gas escape. The cost of this service will vary based on the kind of IGU you have and the location, but the majority of double glazed windows can be repaired in one or two hours. You can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your double-paned windows doing a few things, in addition to replacing the window seals. The first is to select energy-efficient glazing and coatings that will reflect the sun's rays instead of absorbing them. This will make your home cooler and more comfortable, as well as improve the appearance of your windows. Finally, apply caulk or weatherstripping on the frame of your window to prevent gaps that can allow cold air into your home and warm air to escape. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.