Double Glazing Repairs If your double-glazed windows are becoming difficult to open or exhibit signs of condensation, it could be time to make repairs. In most instances, this can be done without having to replace the entire window unit. The process of fixing your own double glazing requires special tools, and is best left to an expert. Condensation The sight of condensation in your double glazing isn't just a nuisance it can also indicate that warm air is exiting your home. It's usually a sign that the seal has been damaged or is beginning to break. If this is the case, it's best to have the entire window replaced. You may be able in certain situations to make use of a hairdryer to eliminate the moisture between the glass panes (from an in-between distance). This is a good temporary solution, but it's also important to remember that you should seek help from a professional as soon as possible as the longer the problem persists for a long time, the more damage it will cause to your double glazing and potentially to your health too. If the condensation is confined to a tiny portion of your window frame, you can usually eliminate it by wiping it off regularly and quickly. However, if you notice condensation that extends across the entire frame of your window, this could indicate that the seal has become damaged and the windows are now less efficient thermally than they need to be. Internal condensation can be caused by a range of factors however, it's usually due to excessive humidity or poor ventilation in the house. The humidity can easily form water droplets on cold surfaces, which is why your double glazed windows are more likely to display condensation than single-pane windows of earlier. Install an air vent in your kitchen or bathroom when it is extremely humid. If your windows are still in the warranty period, you can contact the company that installed them to describe the issue and request that they fix the issue for you. They might be able to replace the unit or they may have to install air vents that are one-way to prevent future condensation. This is a better solution than simply replacing your double glazed windows altogether since it will save you money and time. Foggy Glass The presence of fog in windows is a sign of a failed seal in double-pane windows. Double-pane windows have two glass panes, with a space between them. This space is filled with energy efficient gasses like argon or Krypton. This helps keep temperature-controlled air inside your home, while keeping the outside elements out. If the seal is damaged, moisture could get in and result in fog. Foggy windows are not only visually unattractive, they can also make your home less efficient in energy use. Many homeowners choose to hire an expert to repair their windows instead of replacing their windows. Before making an offer, a glass specialist will help determine if your windows are repairable. If they require replacement they will be able to provide you with a premium replacement that won't be susceptible to foggy glass. Another issue that double glazing that people experience is the windows or doors becoming difficult to open or close. This can be caused by extreme weather conditions or a change in the frame's structure. If you find that your double-glazed is difficult to open, the first step is to talk to the company you bought it from. The majority of companies have warranties that provide their products for a certain period of time, and some provide lifetime guarantees. If you cannot resolve the issue with your provider it could be the right time to switch providers. Always request an official written confirmation of your complaint, as well as any agreements that were made, and the dates. If you have to change providers, this will make it much easier. Windows that have become cloudy can be fixed by defogging. It's a process that involves drilling holes into the window, injecting cleaning solution, removing the soiled liquid and drying the inside of the glass. This is a relatively new solution that is worth a look at whether it's appropriate for your home before committing to it. Remember, however that it can't restore any lost energy efficiency from damaged window seals. Cracked Panes A crack in a double-glazed window might seem like a minor issue, but it can actually cause significant damage. It is important to repair the crack as soon as possible to avoid further damage. This is especially important if the crack is on the inside of the glass. Double-pane windows are made up of two glass panes that are connected with a gap in between which is filled with an inert gas like argon or krypton. This is to prevent heat from your home from transferring through the glass. The gas slows heat transfer, so the warm air from your home will travel through the window at a slower pace than if there were no obstructions between the panes of glass. It is essential that windows are installed correctly and with a good seal. A qualified glazier should install the windows, since they can seal them tight to ensure maximum insulation. If the window seal is not working it may cause the gas in the panes to leak and reduce their insulation properties and leading to cracks between the two panes of glass. Another reason that causes cracks in double-pane windows can be due to inadequate installation, which could result in the glass expanding and contracting at different rates. This can cause stress cracks to develop over time, which weakens the glass. If this is the case, you need to find a glazier who will be in a position to replace the damaged glass with an alternative that is more suitable for your home. If you discover a crack in your double-glazed window, it's important to be aware the fact that it can't be fixed by filling the crack using an adhesive. This is due to the fact that double-pane windows rely on an air-tight seal between two glass panes, and any cracks may worsen over time, leading eventually to total breakage. It's essential to remember that handling broken glass is risky, so it's always best to call in a professional glazier who will have the right tools to complete the task. They will also know how to get rid of the old sealant without causing further damage to the glass. Leaking Seals A double or triple-pane window is made up of an insulated glass unit (IGU) with two or three parallel sheets of annealed or tempered glass. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/double-glazing-repairs-swindon/ is held together by an amalgamation of aluminum spacers and polyurethane, which forms an airtight seal between the windows that prevents moisture from entering your home. In time the seal can be damaged and allow water to leak in. Usually it is due to the natural expansion and contraction of the materials used to make your window. The sealant (silicone or polyurethane) can shrink and stretch slightly with changes in temperature and humidity which can lead to IGUs being at risk of failure. When the seal is damaged the insulative fill-gas may escape, leaving your windows with a cloudy appearance and draughts which reduce the efficiency of your home. If a window seal fails it could cause condensation or water to develop between the panes, which is impossible to remove. In some instances, water can leave a permanent stain left on the glass of your window. Typically, you can correct the problem by having your windows professionally defogged and resealed. This process requires specialized equipment that removes water, fills the gap with the gas argon or krypton and then reseals the window without letting gas escape. The cost of this service can differ based on the type of IGU and your area, but the majority of double-glazed windows can be repaired in an hour or two. In addition to replacing your window seals There are a few other things you can do to improve the efficiency of double-pane windows. Choose energy-efficient coatings and glazing that reflect instead of absorbing the sun's rays. This will make your home cooler and more comfortable, as well as improve the appearance of your windows. Also, you can use caulk or weatherstripping around the frame of your window to prevent gaps that may allow cold air to enter your home and warm air out. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacing the entire window.