The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Double Glazing Seal Repairs
Double Glazing Seal Repairs
When double glazing window seals fail, it can lead to damp and mould. This can cause damage to the frame and walls surrounding it and can affect your health.
Fortunately, most uPVC windows can be repaired by sealing, not replacement. A glazier can clean the frame and the glass of the window, apply a new bead, and smooth it.
Water Leaks
Window seals are designed for moisture to be kept out of your home. When double glazing repairs start to wear down, water could get into your windows. Not only is a leaking window annoying but it can also cause expensive structural damage to your home's structure. It is crucial to spot the problem early and get it fixed by an expert before it gets any worse.
The source of leaking windows can often be found not in the glass, but rather on the frame or sill. This is the most typical sign of a leaky seal. It could be due to damage to the window seal due to weather or aging, worn out caulking or even a blocked drainage section resulting in a build-up of water or ice.
Another sign of a failing window seal is water appearing between the panes of your double-glazed windows. Although, this isn't as dangerous as a leak, since the water doesn't travel enough to get into your home. However, it could mean that the inert gas sandwiched between the panes has leaked out which will reduce the insulation value of your windows.
Condensation in between the panes is another typical indication of a damaged seal. This may be caused by a failed window seal, or it could be due to the humid climate of your home or a problem with the glass. The condensation might not just be irritating but it can also lead to the growth of mould and mildew in your home that can be very difficult and costly to get rid of.
If you're seeing these indicators, it's the time to have an inspection of your double glazed windows. A repair or replacement will ensure your home is protected from water leaks, lower the cost of energy, and also prevent drafts. It's a minimal cost to pay for your family's security and comfort. Contact Thompson Creek Window to discuss your options regarding a window seal repair or replacement. Our professionals are always happy to assist! We provide assistance to homeowners throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Condensation
A broken double-glazing seal may allow water to enter the space that is used for insulation. This water can cause fogging or misting to the window panes.
If you notice condensation developing in your home, it's time to call an experienced double glazing repair service. Condensation could indicate that the vacuum seal made by the factory failed and moisture has seeped into the enclosed space.
Condensation can be caused by a variety of reasons, but it is most commonly a result of defective gaskets, sealants or insulation within the uPVC frame of the windows. As a result, there are a few different double glazing repair options, however it is essential that the seal you choose to replace is properly sized to ensure a perfect fit and a water-tight seal.
Gaskets are usually composed of polyurethane, which is a substance that can be used to seal gaps between double-glazed units. They are designed to last for a long time, but they can become damaged in time as a result of wear and tear or exposure to changes in temperatures and weather conditions.
As time passes, the foam can shrink or crack and this causes a break in the seal which allows moisture to creep into the double-glazed windows. This can lead to condensation and a loss in energy efficiency.
Re-sealing the windows is a option to address this issue. However, this is not 100% guaranteed to fix the issue because it could only get rid of the condensation that has formed and does not address the underlying issues that are causing your double-glazed windows to leak or form condensation.
A professional who can offer an insurance-backed guarantee should replace your windows completely. This means that if the company fails or goes under, you'll remain protected by the insurance. It's important to know that your replacement windows should have a warranty of at least 10 years.
Misting
As autumn draws nearer it's a good idea to make sure that your double glazing seals are in good working order. Window seals that are worn-out can impact the insulation properties of your windows and can also lead to dampness, mold and condensation. To prevent further damage to your double-glazed windows and to reduce energy costs It is important to address any problems as soon as you can.
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes which are held together by a gas-filled interior space. The outer sealant layer fills the gap between uPVC frames and the glass. This is essential to maintain the air-tight seal that keeps warm and cool air in your home separate and helps you save money on your heating costs. However, over time, these seals will be damaged due to aging and weather conditions, or inadequate installation. The magic insulation formula which makes double glazed windows so efficient can start to lose its effectiveness when this occurs.
If seals that are damaged or broken are not repaired they can cause dampness and condensation that can affect your health as well as the appearance of your window. Damp and mould not only causes damage to your walls, floors and ceilings but can also create allergens and irritants in your home that can be harmful to you and your family's health.
The most frequent issue with double glazing is misting between the panes. This happens when moisture gets into the insulated area of your window. This is very difficult to fix without expert help with repair of your seal.
DIY solutions to this problem are available, however, we advise against them as they could be messy and damage your windows. These methods involve drilling holes in your glass units and then using chemicals to get rid of the fog and condensation. This can cause many problems and, in particular, expose your windows to water damage which can ruin the unit altogether.
Professional glaziers have the expertise, tools and experience to effectively reseal your uPVC frames and provide you with lasting results. They can also offer suggestions on how to properly maintain your uPVC window to avoid problems in the future.
Draughts
A draught from your window is an indication that the sealant has probably failed and must be repaired or replaced. This will stop cold air from getting into your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce heating costs, and improve the comfort.
It is also important to note that not all draughts originate from window seals but from the gap between the frame and the bricks. In some instances, it might be possible to repair this by caulking the gap. However, if this is not working, it must be resealed professionally.
When the sealant on a double-glazed window starts to break down and allow water to enter and can lead to damp or even mold in a few instances. This can have a negative impact on health and can be very damaging to property. If you find any issues with water ingress and you want to address them as soon as you can. If your windows are covered by a warranty, it's worth checking to find out if the company that supplied them will be able to cover the cost.
The windows themselves are usually covered by a guarantee that can be at least 10 years, but some businesses offer lifetime warranties - therefore it is worthwhile checking this information out. If your double glazing falls under warranty, you should contact the company who sold them as quickly as you can and inform them about any problems you are having. It is recommended to contact the company in person, or by email and letter. This will ensure that everything is clearly documented and easily understood.
It is important to note that draughts can often be caused by defective hinges, rather than a lack of effective seals. The hinges close the window sash which is the part that you open. If they're not regularly oiling them, they can become stiff. This can cause a gap to develop between the frame of the sash and the sash, which lets cold air to enter the house. This problem can be solved by replacing the hinges, without damaging window seals.