The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms For Double Glazing Seal Repairs

· 6 min read
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms For Double Glazing Seal Repairs

Double Glazing Seal Repairs

When double-glazed window seals are broken they can cause mould and damp. This can cause damage to the frame and walls surrounding it, and it can also impact your health.

Fortunately, most uPVC windows can be repaired using sealing and resealing instead of replacing. A glazier will clean the frame and the glass of the window, apply a fresh bead and smooth it.

Water Leaks

Window seals are made to keep moisture from your home. As they wear out, water may be leaking around your windows. Not only is a leaky window unpleasant however, it could also cause significant damage to your home's structure. It is crucial to spot an issue early and have it fixed by a professional before it worsens.

The cause of windows that leak is usually not in the glass but on the frame or sill. A leak in this region is the most common indication of a failing window seal. It could be due to damage to the seal due to weather or aging wear-out caulking, or even a blocked drain section resulting in an accumulation of water or ice.

Another sign of a failing window seal is water appearing in between the panes of your double glazed windows. This is not as dangerous as a leak of water because the water does not travel far enough to get into your home. However, it could suggest that the inert gas in between the panes has leaked out which will reduce the insulation value of your windows.

The last sign of a damaged window seal is condensation that forms between the panes. It could be the result of a failed window seal, or it could be the result of an unforgiving climate in your home or a problem with the glass. It is not only annoying, but the condensation can cause mold and mildew growth within your home. This can be difficult and costly.

If you are seeing these indications, it's time to conduct an examination of your double-glazed windows. A repair or replacement will help protect your home from water leaks, cut down on energy bills, and prevent drafts. It's a small cost to ensure your family's comfort and safety. Contact Thompson Creek Window today to discuss your options regarding a window seal repair or replacement. Our experienced professionals are happy to help! We serve homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic.

Condensation

A broken double-glazing seal may let water in the space that is insulating. This water can cause condensation within the window panes and may cause fogging or misting.

If you see condensation forming within your home, it's the perfect time to call a professional double glazing repair service. Condensation could indicate that the vacuum seal created by the factory was not working and moisture has entered into the enclosed space.


Condensation can be caused by a number of causes, but it's most commonly a result of defective gaskets and sealants, as well as insulation within the uPVC frame of the windows. There are many options for double glazing seal repairs however it is essential that the new seals are correctly measured to ensure an ideal seal and a perfect fit.

Typically, the gaskets that are used to seal the gaps between your double-glazed units are made of polyurethane foam. These are designed to last for a long time however, they may degrade in time due to natural wear and tear and exposure to various temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year.

Over time the foam will shrink or crack and this results in a crack in the seal which allows moisture to creep into those areas of your double-glazed windows. This can result in condensation and a loss in energy efficiency.

One option to fix the issue is to have the windows resealed. This isn't a 100% solution since it will only eliminate the condensation that is already present and not address the root issues that cause the double-glazed windows to leak or create condensate.

A professional who can offer an insurance-backed guarantee should replace your windows in full. If the company fails, you're still covered by insurance. It's important to note that the warranty for windows replacements should be at least 10 years.

Misting

Check that your double-glazing seals are in good shape as autumn approaches. Seals that have worn-out can impact the insulation properties of your windows and can also lead to condensation, dampness and mold. To prevent further damage to your double-glazed windows, and to save money on energy costs, it's important to repair any problems as soon as possible.

Double-glazed windows are made of two glass panes which are joined by a gas-filled inner space. A layer of sealant on the outside covers the gap between the uPVC frame and the glass. This is essential to maintain the air-tight seal that keeps cold and warm air from your home, thereby saving the cost of heating. These seals can become damaged in time due to weather conditions, aging or poor installation. The encapsulation formula that makes double glazed windows so efficient could begin to degrade as soon as this occurs.

If not checked or unchecked, damaged or defective seals could lead to condensation and damp that will not only ruin the appearance of your windows but could also affect your health. Damp and mould not only causes damage to your floors, walls and ceilings, but also create allergens and irritants within your home that could be harmful to your health and your family's health.

One of the most common issues that can occur with your double glazing is misting between the panes. This occurs when moisture gets inside the insulated section of your windows. It isn't easy to repair without professional double glazing repair.

Double Glazing Window Repairs  to this issue are available, however we do not recommend them as they could be messy and cause damage to your windows. These methods involve drilling holes into your glass unit and then using chemicals to remove fog & condensation. This could lead to many problems and, in particular, expose your windows to water damage, which could cause the entire unit to be destroyed.

Professional glaziers possess the tools, skills and experience necessary to safely seal uPVC frames. They also can give you lasting results. They can also provide tips on how to maintain your uPVC window to avoid problems in the future.

Draughts

A draught from your window is a sign that the sealant has probably failed and must be replaced or repaired. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, increase efficiency in energy use and lower heating costs, and also improve the comfort level and temperature control.

It is important to keep in mind that not all draughts come from the window seals themselves but rather from the gap between the frame and the bricks. In some instances, it might be possible to correct this by simply caulking the gap. If this doesn't work, you'll require the seal to be professionally repaired.

When the sealant around double-glazed windows starts to breakdown and allows water to infiltrate. This can lead to damp or even mold. This could affect your health and may be damaging to your property. It is crucial to take care of any water leaks when you spot them. And if your windows are still in warranty, it is worth contacting the company that you purchased windows from, as they may cover the cost of the repairs.

The windows themselves are typically covered by a warranty that can be a minimum of 10 years however some businesses offer lifetime warranties - so it is worth looking into this information. If your double glazing is under warranty, you must contact the company who sold them as quickly as you can and inform them about any issues you're having. It is recommended to make this contact in person or via letters and emails, to ensure everything is documented and clear.

It is also worth noting that draughts can be typically caused by defective hinges and not by the lack of seals that are effective. The hinges are responsible for closing the window sash (the section that you open) but they can become stiff in time if not regularly oiled. This could leave gaps between the sash and the frame which could allow cold air to enter. Replacing these hinges will solve this problem without affecting the window seals.