Double-glazed windows and doors are designed to last for many years and withstand different weather conditions. However, double glazing may get old. Doors may eventually sag and window panes mist up, and they may need repairs and eventual replacement.
Many homeowners report condensation on the inside of their double glazing ten years after installation. Other issues include chipped or cracked glass and loose seals. As double-glazing is made from fitting two glass panes with an airtight seal and filling with argon gas to create a barrier to stop heat escaping, the gas can escape if the seal is damaged.
If you have double-glazed windows and doors, you may need double glazing repairs in Perth at some point.
When does double glazing need replacing?
Double-glazed windows and doors may not age as fast as other materials, but they still get old and worn. That is why it’s important to look out for the signs that they may need replacing. If you notice draughts and leaks that let water in, then you might want to call in professionals to inspect your double glazing.
Other warning signs include visible damage, particularly to the seals. If you notice that your double glazing allows excessive amounts of noise in, the uPVC is yellowing, and that the timber is cracking, then it’s time to have it replaced. Also, watch out for signs of condensation between the panes of glass.
They may still be repaired if the condensation is not too extensive. When deciding if your double-glazing needs repair or replacement, it’s best to consult a double-glazing expert. They can determine what can and can’t be fixed.
What are the most common double-glazing faults?
The most common post-installation problem is that double-glazed windows or doors become difficult to open or close. Three out of ten double-glazing owners are most likely to deal with this problem. A similar problem is that windows or doors drop or sag over time, which is why they don’t fit as well.
Some homeowners also report the locks not working and the glass steaming up. With seals around doors and windows failing, problems with condensation also occur. Double glazing cracking or shattering is also another common problem.
But overall, around 70% of homeowners have had no issues with their double glazing in the first ten years. The most common double-glazing faults, if not all, are a result of aging.
Is it possible to fix double glazing that has sagged or has become difficult to open?
Any difficulty with opening and closing double-glazed doors and windows may largely be due to the mechanism being stiff. This is when the doors or casement windows are installed with hinges. Another possible cause is that the lock/handle has become faulty over time, or the hinges have moved or become loose.
If you do notice that your double glazing has sagged or is difficult to open, you can try oiling the mechanism, hinges, handles, and places where the windows and doors pass the frame. If they’re sash windows, try oiling them to see if that helps. Try adjusting screws to tighten the hinges. Contact professional double-glazing experts if you think the mechanisms need replacing instead.
Another possible cause is the weather; the window or door won’t move as smoothly or might stick if the frame has expanded or shrunk due to extreme temperatures. To help shrink them down slightly, you can try wiping the frames with cold water. Take note that you can’t do this regularly.
Try waiting until the weather is cooler or warmer. If the problem isn’t severe, it should resolve itself. You may need double glazing repairs in Perth if the problem persists or has a significant impact and prevents you from being able to shut or lock your door.
What’s the best way to get rid of condensation around double glazing?
The main cause of steamed-up glass is poor ventilation. If there isn’t enough ventilation in your house, condensation will likely occur, even in newly installed double glazing. Take note that your home needs to breathe.
Energy-saving measures can cause all moisture to be trapped inside, with the moisture collecting on cold surfaces in winter. That is why you have to let fresh air into your home as much as possible to reduce condensation. You also might want to consider installing ventilation, such as air bricks, extractors, or vents in window and door frames.
We recommend adding trickle vents to existing double-glazed windows. This allows some fresh air in without allowing the heat to escape. You can open and close trickle vents as you wish, making them a convenient fix for demisting your home.
Perhaps you’re choosing new windows. If so, consider installing one or two smaller ones rather than all large ones which you don’t have to open all the time. Tilt-and-turn windows and doors are an ideal choice as they are designed to let you tilt the window or door to let in a small amount of air without unlocking them.
Do broken seals on double glazing need replacing?
Unless they are causing problems with condensation and draughts, or if they are allowing leaks to occur, broken window or door seals aren’t a huge concern. Seals fail because of the elements outside. With wood rotting, warping, or expanding in damp conditions, the seal will become loose.
As condensation builds up on the windows, mould can form and damage the seals over time. Window and door seals also weaken if you constantly use a pressure washer to clean your windows and doors. In some cases, window seals may fail in the first couple of years due to mistakes in their manufacture or installation.
The sealant material may have had insufficient time to cure or have been tainted. The installer may have accidentally punctured it during installation. For concerns over broken seals on double glazing, it is best to consult professionals.
Contact Our Team for Double Glazing Repairs in Perth
Are you dealing with small cracks and chips on your double-glazing windows and doors? Let our skilled team handle the repairs. From broken catches to temperamental locks, we have the skills and materials to restore your windows or doors to their functional state.
