Double Glazing Repairs If your double glazed windows are becoming difficult to open or show signs of condensation it could be time to make repairs. This can be done without having to replace the entire window unit. Doing the repair yourself for double glazing will require specialized tools, so this is normally better left to professionals. Condensation The sight of condensation in your double glazing isn't just annoying it can also indicate that warm air is leaving your home. It's usually a sign that the seal has broken or is beginning to break. It is recommended to replace the entire window if this is the case. In certain cases, you may be able to use a hairdryer (from an appropriate distance) to evaporate the moisture from between the glass panes. This is a great temporary solution, but it's important to remember that you should seek help from a professional whenever you can, as the longer the problem persists and the longer it lasts, the more damage it will cause to your double glazing and possibly to your health as well. If the condensation is confined to a small area of your window frame you can generally eliminate it by wiping it down regularly and quickly. If you notice condensation in larger areas of the window, it could mean that the seal has been damaged and that the windows are no longer as thermally efficient than they should be. Internal condensation can be caused by a variety of factors however, it's usually due to excessive humidity and/or poor ventilation around the house. Double-glazed windows are more likely to show condensation than older single pane windows since humidity is able to form droplets of water on cold surfaces. If your bathroom or kitchen are particularly humid, you might need to install a vent to lower the humidity levels. If your windows are still within their warranty you can contact the company that fitted them to describe the issue and request that they fix the issue for you. They may be able to simply replace the unit, or they may have to install air vents that are one-way to stop any further condensation. This is a far better option than simply replacing your double glazed windows completely as it will save you time and money. Foggy Glass The presence of fog in windows is a sign of a failed seal in double-pane windows. Double-pane windows are made up of two glass panes, with a space in between. The space is filled with energy efficient gasses such as argon or Krypton. This helps keep temperature-controlled air inside your home, while keeping the outside elements out. If the seal fails the moisture could seep through and result in fog. Foggy windows can make your home less efficient and look unattractive. While you can replace your windows when they're leaking most homeowners prefer hiring a professional for window repair instead. Before making an offer, a glass expert will help determine if your windows can be repaired. If they require to be replaced, a glass expert will be able to provide high-quality replacements that aren't prone to fogging. Double glazing can cause issues with the opening or closing of doors or windows. This could be due to extreme weather conditions or a change to the frame's structure. If you notice that your double glazing is difficult to open, a good first step is to speak to the company you purchased it from. Most companies have warranties that cover their products for a certain period of time, and some even provide lifetime guarantees. If you cannot solve the issue with your supplier it could be the right time to change providers. You should always ask for written confirmation that your complaint has been received, plus any agreements made to resolve it and what these dates will be. If you have to change providers, this will make it easier. Defogging is a method that can be used to repair foggy windows. This involves drilling holes into the glass, then injecting a cleaning solution, removing any liquid that has been soiled and drying the interior. This is a relatively new technique, and it's worth considering whether it's suitable for your home prior to committing to it. It won't, however bring back the energy efficiency that's been lost due to the deterioration of seals. Cracked Panes A crack in a double-glazed window might seem like a minor issue, but it can actually cause a lot of damage. It's important to have the crack repaired as quickly as you can in order to avoid further damage, particularly if it's located on the inside of the glass. Double-pane windows consist of two glass panes that are connected with a space between which is filled with an inert gas like argon or Krypton. This is to ensure that heat from your home doesn't get transferred through the glass. The gas also slows the transfer of heat so that the warm air in your home can move more slowly through the window than in the absence of any space between the two glass panes. It's crucial that the windows are fitted correctly and sealed properly. The windows must be installed by a licensed glazier who will be able to fit the glass panes with a tight seal to ensure that they're properly insulated to the best extent. If the window seal is not working, it could cause the gas inside the panes to leak out and reduce their insulation properties and leading to cracks between the two glass panes. Incorrect installation can cause double-paned windows to break. The glass expands and contracts at different rates. This could cause stress cracks to appear over time, thereby weakening the glass. If this is the case, it's important to find a professional glass glazier who is in a position to replace the damaged glass pane with a new one that is more suitable for your home. If you notice a tiny crack in your double-glazed windows it is crucial to understand that the crack cannot be repaired by simply filling it with adhesive. Double-paned windows require a tight seal between the two panes and any cracks will only worsen with time. It's essential to keep in mind that handling broken glass is risky, so it's always best to contact a professional glazier who will have the right tools to complete the task. They'll also know how to get rid of the old sealant without causing further damage to the glass. Leaking Seals A triple-pane or double-pane window comprises an insulated glass unit (IGU) consisting of three or two sheets of tempered or annealed glass. The IGU is joined by an amalgamation of polyurethane and spacers made from aluminum 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 seep into. This is usually caused by the natural expansion or contraction of the materials that were used to create your window. The sealant, whether polyurethane or silicone, may expand and shrink with changes in humidity and temperature, putting the IGU at the risk of deteriorating. If the seal fails, the insulating fill-gas could leak leaving your windows with the appearance of fog and draughts, which decrease the efficiency of your home. If a window seal is damaged, it could also cause condensation or water to form between the panes, which you cannot wipe away. In some instances, water may leave a permanent stain left on the glass of your window. Typically, you can correct the issue by having your windows professionally cleaned and sealed. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/misted-double-glazing-repairs-woking/ requires professional equipment that removes moisture, fills in the void with Krypton or argon gas, and then seals the window without letting gas escape. The cost of this service can vary depending on the type of IGU you have and the location, but most double-glazed windows can be repaired within one or two hours. You can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of double-paned windows by doing several things, including replacing the window seals. Select energy-efficient coatings and glass that reflect instead of absorbing the sun's rayons. This will keep your living spaces cooler and more comfortable as well as enhance the appearance of your windows. Finally, apply caulk or weatherstripping on the frame of your window to eliminate gaps that could allow cold air into your home and warm air out. This is a cost-effective option than replacing the entire window.