Double Glazing Seal Repairs
If the seals of double glazing windows are broken they can lead to damp and mould. This can cause damage to the frame and surrounding walls, and it can also affect your health.
Fortunately, resealing is a more cost-effective way to fix most uPVC window frames rather than replacing them. A glazier can clean the frame and glass of the window, apply a fresh bead and smooth it.
Water Leaks
Window seals are designed to keep water from your home. When they begin to wear down, water could get into your windows. Not only is a leaking window annoying but it can also cause expensive damage to the structure of your home. It's important to identify the issue early and get it repaired by an expert before it gets worse.
Most of the time, the cause of the windows that leak is not the glass itself, but on the frame and sill. This is the most typical sign of a damaged seal. This can be caused by damage to the seal due to weather or aging or worn caulking or even a blocked drain resulting in an accumulation of ice or water.
Water appearing between the double-glazed panes is another common sign that your window seal is failing. While this isn't quite as risky as a leak because the water doesn't travel long enough to reach your home. However, it does mean that the inert gases that are sandwiched between your panes have leaked out. This will reduce the effectiveness of the insulation in your window.
The final common sign of a damaged window seal is condensation between the panes. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a damp atmosphere within your home. It could also be due to a issue with the glass. The condensation might not just be unpleasant, but it could cause the development of mildew and mould in your home that is difficult and expensive to eliminate.
It's time for you to examine your double-glazed windows if you observe these signs. The repair or replacement of your windows will protect your home against water leaks, cut down on the cost of energy and remove drafts. It's a minimal cost to ensure your family's security and comfort. Contact Thompson Creek Window today to discuss your options for window seal repair or replacement. Our experienced professionals are happy to assist! We provide assistance to homeowners throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Condensation
A damaged double-glazing seal could let water in the space that is insulating. This can lead to fogging or misting in the window panes.
If you are noticing condensation inside your home you should contact an expert in double glazing repair. The condensation could be a sign that the vacuum seal installed by the factory failed and water has gotten into the insulation.
Condensation can be caused by variety of factors however, the most common cause is faulty sealants, gaskets or insulation in the uPVC frames of the windows. Therefore, there are a few different double glazing repair options, but it is essential that the seal you choose to replace is correctly sized to ensure an ideal fit and a water-tight seal.
Gaskets are typically composed of polyurethane, which is a substance that can be used to seal gaps between double-glazed units. These are designed to last a long time but they can perish in time due to natural wear and tear and exposure to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.
As time passes, the foam may shrink or crack over time. This can lead to cracks in your seal and allow moisture to seep into the double-glazed window. This can cause condensation, but it could also result in the loss of energy efficiency, which means that you're losing heat from your home to outside air.
One solution to this problem is to seal the windows. This is not a guaranteed solution since it will only remove the existing condensation, and not address the root issues that are causing the double-glazed windows to leak or form condensate.
A professional who can offer an insurance-backed guarantee must replace your windows in full. If the company fails, you are still protected by insurance. It is important to note that the warranty on your replacement windows must be 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 damaged or worn out do not only affect the insulative properties of your windows but can also lead to condensation, mold and damp. It's important to fix any problems with your double-glazed windows as soon as you can to avoid further damage and save money on energy bills.
Double-glazed windows are constructed of two panes glass that 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 crucial to maintaining the air-tight seal which keeps cold and warm air separate in your home, thereby saving money on your heating bills. These seals are susceptible to damage over time due to weather conditions, ageing or poor installation. When this happens the encapsulation formula that makes your double-glazed windows so efficient can begin to lose its effectiveness.
If left unchecked leaks, damaged seals, or other issues can cause condensation and damp which can ruin the appearance of your windows but could also affect your health. Moisture and dampness can cause damage to walls, ceilings flooring, floors and other surfaces within your home. They can also produce allergens and irritants which are harmful to your health as well as the health of your family.
The most common problem with double glazing is the misting between the panes. This occurs when moisture gets inside the insulated section of your windows. It isn't easy to fix without professional double-glazing repair.
DIY solutions to this problem are available, however we recommend against them because they could be messy and damage your windows. These methods involve drilling into your glass unit and then using chemicals to get rid of fog and condensation. This can lead to a number of complications and, in particular, expose your windows to water damage that could ruin the unit completely.
Professional glaziers possess the knowledge, tools and experience to properly seal your uPVC frames and give you long-lasting results. They can also offer advice on how to maintain your uPVC window to avoid future problems.
Draughts
A draft that is coming from your window indicates that the sealant is likely to have been damaged. It should be repaired or replaced. This will block cold air from entering your home. It will also improve efficiency in energy use, decrease heating bills, and increase the comfort of your home.
It is important to remember that a few draughts aren't caused by the window seals, but rather by the gap between the frame of the bricks. In certain cases it is possible to fix the issue by filling the gap with silicone caulk. However, if this is not working, it must be resealed professionally.
If the sealant around windows with double glazing begins to degrade and allow water ingress and can cause damp or even mold in a few instances. This could have a negative impact on health and could be damaging to property. It is crucial to take care of any water ingress issues immediately you notice them and if your windows are still under guarantee it is advisable to check with the company that you purchased windows from, since they could cover the cost of the repairs.
The windows themselves are typically covered by a warranty which could last for at least 10 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties, therefore it is worthwhile looking into this information. If your double glazing is under warranty, it's worth contact the company you bought the windows from as soon as possible and providing them with details of any issues you're experiencing. It is recommended to do this in person, or via email and letter, so everything is documented and clear.
It is also worth noting that draughts may be caused by damaged hinges, rather than a lack of effective seals. The hinges are responsible for closing the window sash (the section that you open) but can become stiff as time passes if they're not regularly oiled. This could cause a gap to be created between the sash frame and the sash, allowing cold air to enter the home. Replacing the hinges can solve this problem without affecting the window seals.