How to Know your Double Glazing has Failed

By on 13th February in Home Inspiration
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Your home may already have double glazing, but how do you know when it is time to replace the old with new, super efficient windows? Well, I hope to clarify this for you with pointers from within the double glazing industry.

Things to look out for

  • Leaks
  • Condensation between the panes of glass
  • Cracks, chips or holes
  • Draughts

Repair or Replace?

The above bullet points may seem pretty self-explanatory, something we may well have encountered in our lifetime, but how do you know if the issue is negatively effecting the performance of your window or whether it is worth replacing your windows or getting them repaired?

Water Leaks

Problem

If the leak is coming in via the frame, it may be down to the failure of the window’s weather seals. If you don’t think it is the seal, it could be caused by the drainage section being blocked.

Remedy

If this is the case, then it may be possible to replace the weather seals, however, you should contact the window supplier to check if the seals are available to buy. If the drainage is block, it could be caused by a build up of a debris. A quick clean will help with this.

Problem

The sealant between the window and the aperture may have failed resulting in gaps around the edge of the frame, and there is water ingress so it will need repairing or replacing fast.

Remedy

If the windows are still under guarantee, get in touch with the company as this should be covered. If they aren’t, I’d recommend getting in touch with a professional to repair the problem. This will prevent water entering your home, stop the water damaging your wall or plaster and seal any draughts that could also be coming in through these gaps.

Alternatively, if your double glazed windows are very old, they will be outdated, so it’s probably time to upgrade your windows.

Condensation

Condensation is defined as the physical process by which a gas or vapour changes into a liquid. If the temperature of an object (e.g. grass, metal, glass) falls below what is known as the ‘dew point’ temperature for a given relative humidity of the surrounding air, water vapour from the atmosphere condenses into water droplets on its surface.

This ‘dew point’ varies according to the amount of water in the atmosphere (known as humidity). In humid conditions condensation occurs at higher temperatures. In cold conditions condensation occurs despite relatively low humidity.

Condensated window

Problem

Condensation is forming inside your home on your windows.

Remedy

There are a few factors to consider – the ventilation, the use of the room, the temperature inside and outside of your home and the amount of people in your home.

According to the National Federation of Glaziers, two adults sleeping in an unventilated room will breath out approx. 1.5 pints of water vapour in 8 hours. 

Improving the ventilation of the affected room will help. If your home is quite prone to condensation, a dehumidifier may also help reduce this. No replacement or repairs should be required, but you may want to consider the performance of your current windows. Getting more energy efficient windows would help reduce condensation as the internal pane of glass would be warmer.

Problem

Condensation is on the outside of your windows.

Remedy

This actually means your windows are doing a fantastic job of keeping heat in your home. It will eventually disappear as it warms up outside, but there isn’t much you can actively do.

If the external pane of glass is colder than the air temperature outside, and if the ‘dew point’ of the air outside is higher than the temperature of the glass, condensation will form on the outside of this pane of glass.

Condensation on the outside of glazing is a phenomenon that is occasionally seen at night and in the early hours of the morning on well-insulated glass in clear cloudless weather where there is no wind. This is mainly caused by heat losses towards the clear sky. This phenomenon should not be considered to represent a problem but rather proof of good thermal insulation.

Find out more about battling condensation on your windows here.

Problem

Condensation has formed between the two panes of glass. This is a big issue, as the seal around the two panes of glass has sprung a leak. It is an indication that the gas cavity between the glass panes is no longer completely sealed. If this happens the sealed unit must be replaced as this cannot be reversed.

Remedy

Your double glazing has failed and this will need replacing as the performance of your window will have decreased. The inert gas will have evaporated and warm air from your home will be finding its way in. Check your guarantee as this should be covered here.

Cracks, Chips, Holes and Scratches

Problem

The glass of your window has a crack, chip, hole or scratch.

Remedy

If the glass is scratch, it may buff out, however, replacing the glass is the only remedy for any other damage. This could end up causing condensation between the panes if not replaced and your windows won’t be performing as well.

Problem

The uPVC has cracks, chips, holes or scratches in it.

Attempted break in through an Anglian Window

YOU SHALL NOT PASS – This Anglian window survived an attempted break-in without the wannabe burglar getting in.

Remedy

This could just be cosmetic damage, however, if these penetrate deep into the frame, it could be reducing the efficiency of the windows, allowing draughts to enter your home. If the damage is deep, a replacement is needed. In some circumstances a repair may be possible, however, we recommend you contact the company that installed the windows.

Draughts

Problem

Noticeable draughts can only mean a seal somewhere in or around the window has broken down. If you can feel draughts between the bricks and the window frame, the sealant used around the window may have failed.

Remedy

This can be remedied by filling the area between the wall and the frame. If you’d rather not do this yourself, hire a professional.

Problem

If it’s coming from in-between the frame and the glass, the weather seal from within may have worn away or lost its elasticity over the years, letting in those pesky draughts.

Remedy

Like above with water leaking through this area, you’d need to replace the weatherseals. However, if they have begun to misbehave, you may benefit from upgrading your windows as the chances are they will be far less efficient than the current standard.