Double Glazing Seal Repairs
If the seals of double glazing windows have been damaged they could cause damp and mould. This could cause damage to the frame and walls surrounding it and can affect your health.
Fortunately, most uPVC windows can be repaired by sealing and resealing instead of replacing. A glazier is usually able to clean the frame of the window and the glass, apply a new bead of sealant and smooth it.
Water Leaks
Window seals are made to keep water from your home. As they wear out, water may leak around your windows. A window that is leaking is not only a nuisance but can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. It is crucial to spot an issue early and have it repaired by an expert before it gets worse.
The source of leaking windows is usually not in the glass itself but on the frame or sill. A leak in this area is the most common indication of a failing window seal. It could be due to damage to the window seal due to weather or aging, worn out caulking or a blocked drainage section resulting in the accumulation of water or ice.
The appearance of water between double-glazed panes is another common sign that the window seal has failed. Although, this isn't as hazardous as a leak because the water doesn't travel enough to get into your home. However, it could mean that the inert gas that is in between the panes has been released, which can reduce the insulating value of your windows.
The final indication of a failing window seal is condensation that forms between the panes. This could be due to an ineffective window seal or it could be due to an unforgiving climate in your home or a problem with the glass. It's not just a nuisance, but the condensation can lead to mould and mildew growth in your home. This can be difficult and expensive.
It's time to inspect your double-glazed windows if notice these signs. Repairs or replacements will help protect your home from water leaks, cut down on energy bills, and prevent draughts. It's a small price to pay for the comfort and safety of your family. Contact Thompson Creek Window today to discuss your options for a window seal repair or replacement. Our knowledgeable professionals are ready to assist you! We serve homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic.
Condensation
A damaged double-glazing seal could let water in the space that is insulating. This water can cause condensation inside the window panes and may cause misting or fogging.
When you notice condensation forming within your home, it's the perfect time to contact a professional double glazing repair service. The condensation is a sign that the vacuum seal fabricated by the factory has been damaged and moisture is getting into the gap between the insulated and non-insulated.
Condensation can be caused by a variety of causes, but it's typically the result of defective gaskets, sealants or insulation within the uPVC frame of the windows. Therefore, there are a few different double glazing repair options, however it is crucial that the seal you choose to replace is correctly sized to ensure a perfect fit and a water-tight seal.
Gaskets are usually composed of polyurethane, which is a material that could be used to close gaps between double-glazed units. They are designed to last for a long time, but can become damaged over time because of wear and tear or exposure to changes in temperatures and weather conditions.
Over time, the foam may shrink or crack. This can lead to cracks in your seal, allowing moisture to seep into the double-glazed window. This not only creates condensation, but it could also result in an increase in energy efficiency, meaning that you're losing heat from your home to the outside air.
Re-sealing windows is one option to address this issue. However, this isn't guaranteed to fix the issue since it will only get rid of the condensation that has formed, but won't address the underlying issues that cause your double-glazed windows to leak or form condensation.
Another option is to replace your windows completely and this should be done by a professional that offers an insurance-backed guarantee. If the company fails, you are still protected by insurance. It's worth mentioning that the warranty for your replacement windows should be at least 10 years.
Misting
Verify that your double-glazing seals are in good working order as the autumn season draws near. Seals that have worn out can affect the properties of your windows' insulation, but also cause condensation, mold and dampness. To prevent further damage to your double-glazed windows, and to reduce energy costs it is essential to fix any problems as soon as possible.
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes which are held together by a gas-filled interior space. The sealant layer on the outside fills in the gap between the uPVC frames and the glass. This is vital to ensure the air-tight seal that keeps warm and cool air separate in your home which will save you money on heating bills. However, over time, these seals can break down due to ageing, weather conditions or even poor installation. After this the encapsulation formula that makes your double glazed windows so effective can begin to deteriorate.
If seals that are damaged or broken are not repaired, they can lead to dampness and condensation, which could impact your health as well as the appearance of your window. The presence of mould and damp not only cause damage to your floors, walls and ceilings, but they also cause allergens and irritants within your home, which can cause harm to you and your family's health.
The most frequent issue with double glazing is misting between the panes. This occurs when moisture is able to get into the insulated area of your window. It is quite difficult to resolve without expert help with repair of your seal.
DIY solutions to this issue are available, but we recommend against them because they could be messy and cause damage to your windows. These methods involve drilling holes into your glass unit and then using chemicals to get rid of fog and condensation. This could lead to many problems including exposing your windows to water damage, which could cause the entire unit to be destroyed.
Professional glaziers have the expertise, tools and experience to properly seal your uPVC frames and provide you with lasting results. Not to mention they can also provide suggestions on the best way to keep your uPVC windows in good shape to prevent future problems.
Draughts
A draught from your window is a sign that the sealant has been damaged and must be replaced or repaired. This will stop cold air from entering your home, increase energy efficiency and lower heating costs and increase comfort levels and temperature control.
It is also important to note that not all draughts originate from the window seals themselves but from the gap between the frame and the bricks. In some cases it may be possible to repair this by simply caulking the gap. However, if this is not successful, the area will require resealing professionally.
When the sealant around the double-glazed window begins to degrade and allow water to enter and can lead to damp or even mold in some instances. This could affect health and can cause damage to property. It is essential to address any water leaks immediately you spot them. If your windows are still in warranty, it is worth contacting the company you bought windows from, as they may pay for the repairs.
The windows themselves are typically covered by a guarantee that can last at least 10 years however certain companies offer lifetime warranties, so it's worth looking into this information. If your double glazing is under warranty, it's worth calling the company you bought the windows from as soon as possible and giving them the details of any issues you're having. Ideally, it is best to make this contact in person or by mail or email, to ensure that all information is documented and clear.
It is also important to remember that draughts are often caused by defective hinges, not a lack of effective seals. The hinges are responsible for closing the window sash (the section that you open) but can become stiffer in time if not regularly oiled. This could cause a gap to form between the sash frame and the sash, which allows cold air to enter the house. This issue can be resolved by replacing these hinges without affecting window seals.