9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Replacement Double Glazing Windows

Replacing Double Glazed Windows

No matter if you're looking for uPVC Sash windows or aluminium casements, there's an extensive variety of options to suit the aesthetic of your home and your energy efficiency requirements. Modern double glazing provides a host of benefits including noise reduction, UV-ray protection and security of your property with multipoint locking mechanisms.

What can you do when your double-glazed windows show signs of wear and tear?

1. Excessive Condensation

In the winter, when windows and doors are closed, condensation may form inside the glass panes if the air temperature is warmer than the window's surface. This is a natural occurrence that can be prevented by opening windows, improving ventilation more generally, running a dehumidifier and keeping moisture levels low with extractor fans. However, if condensation forms regularly on the interior of your windows this is a sign that the double glazing has failed and it needs replacing as soon as possible.

Condensation on the outside of your windows is a common event and indicates that the double glazing unit is functioning just as it should. Condensation outside your windows during the morning is caused by the temperature of the cold glass dropping below the dewpoint of the air surrounding it. This causes the water vapour in the air to be drawn into the window where it condenses. This can be made worse by plants that generate excess moisture in your home and by high levels of humidity.

When condensation appears within your double glazing, it is a far more serious issue and it is a sign that the seal between the two glass panes has broken which allows warm air from your house to get in while insulating gas is lost. This can cause serious damage to your double glazing, and if untreated, will result in a significant increase in your energy bills.

Installing replacement double glazing immediately after this type of condensation is spotted will reduce the chance that it will worsen and cost of windows replacement you more in the end. It's also an excellent opportunity to upgrade your double glazing to energy-efficient A-rated windows. This will improve the comfort of your home, and reduce your utility bills.

2. Wear and tear

Double glazing has many benefits including reducing energy bills and reducing noise. Like all products double glazed windows have a life expectancy. It is important to know the signs of when they are at the end of their lifespan.

One of the most obvious indicators is the visible condensation. This is caused by the difference in temperature between the two panes of glass and if you observe this it's a good indicator that the seal on the window has failed, and it's time to get the windows replaced.

If the window seal fails, then cold air can be allowed to enter your home. This is not just a waste of energy, but also can cause damp and mould and both cost a lot to repair. Additionally, both damp as well as mould are detrimental to health as they can create allergens and irritants which can impact on your family's wellbeing.

Draughts in your windows are another indication that the sealants are beginning to wear. This allows outside noise into your home, which could be distracting. This could affect your ability to work from home, or how peaceful your home feels.

Finally, if the windows no longer open and close smoothly it is also a sign that they need to be replaced. This could be a security issue if windows aren't able to open in an emergency such as a fire, and should not be ignored. A professional window installer can assess the condition of the windows you have and provide recommendations on the best way to proceed.

3. Draughts

If you have noticed draughts entering your windows, it's usually a sign that seals in your double glazing have failed. A sealant is used to hold the glass panes together and aid with insulation, but it is often damaged due to changes in weather or by simply ageing. This causes cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, which can cause drafts and a decrease in energy efficiency.

A window frame that is misshaped and not sealing properly could cause draughts. As a result, moisture can get trapped in the frame, which can also cause draughts and rotting over time. This is a serious issue and you must replace your double-glazed windows as soon as you can.

A misted double-glazed window is an indication that the sealed unit has leaked or gas escapes between the panes. This is a serious problem and should be addressed immediately to prevent water entering your property, stopping heat from leaving and reducing the efficiency of your insulation. If your windows are still covered by warranty, you can ask the company to replace them.

Cracks and chips in double glazing aren't always a signal of needing replacement however they can affect the overall performance. They may also limit the amount of light that flows through, causing draughts. Additionally If there are significant cracks or chips in your windows, it's unlikely that they'll be able to support the weight of a replacement unit, which will require a new window replacement near me frame.

4. More Utility Bills

Energy costs are a significant expense for households and that's why it's crucial to keep them as low as possible. Energy bills that are high not only take a chunk out of your budget, but they also put unnecessary strain on the environment, something we all want to reduce our impact of. One of the main causes of rising energy bills is leaky windows, which not only allow heat to escape from your home, but also cause draughts that require you to use more energy to heat your property. Energy efficient windows replacement can help you save money as well as reduce your energy costs.

If you notice condensation between the double-glazed panes of glass, it's an indication that your windows need to be replaced. It's a sign that the seal is broken, which means that air is entering and out of your home, and that the insulation is not working as it should be.

Another sign that your double glazing requires replacement Double Glazing Windows is if they're misting up. This indicates that the seal has been damaged and that water is trapped between the glass panes. Double glazing can stop moisture from entering your house and will stop heat from escape and keep your home warm.

By having your double glazed windows replaced with a new energy-efficient window, you will be able to conserve heat, reduce your energy use and enhance the appearance of your home. This will also increase the value of your home and make it more appealing for potential buyers if you decide to sell it in the near future. You will save PS115 in heating bills per year with double glazing that is rated as category B. This will pay for your windows.

5. Faulty windows seal replacement

If you have a double glazed window that has become foggy, misty or hazy, this is an early sign that the seal has failed. It's also a sign that the glass has lost its insulation value and could lead to draughts and condensation. In addition, the gap around the edges of your windows can allow water to enter and damage your wall or plaster. This can also be a serious fire risk.

It is crucial to get your double glazing repaired as soon as you can when the glass is becoming misty. This could be a safety issue. It could also result in more in energy bills due to the loss of insulation.

Moisture in the air between your IGU's (insulated glass units) can cause misty windows. The gas inside the glass - usually Krypton or argon - aids in insulating the glass, and if the seal fails, this gas leaks out, causing the window replacements to become fogged.

Failure of the seal in the early stages is a clear indicator of a defective product, so be sure to check your warranty for coverage. In certain cases manufacturers offer a prorated warranty, scaled according to the age of your windows, so this could be an option worth considering.

Other indications that you may need to replace your uPVC windows are: