double glazed windows

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Double-Glazed Windows in Prime Condition

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Keeping windows and glass doors in good repair is an important but frequently neglected detail. Regular glazing maintenance extends your home's lifespan and improves comfort and energy efficiency.

    Modern double-glazed windows and doors are popular among homeowners due to their numerous advantages and the fact that they require little to no maintenance. Modern double glazing is durable and easy to clean but needs regular maintenance to look and operate well. If you are unsure or need help with how to maintain the double glazing in your home, read on to find out the best practices.

    Understanding the Importance of Glazing Maintenance

    The glass in your windows and doors, known as glazing, is an important part of your home's thermal performance and security. Before winter arrives, check that your glazing is in good enough shape to endure the cold. Keeping up with routine maintenance helps keep your house safe, warm, and energy efficient by preventing small problems from becoming major ones.

    Identifying Potential Issues

    Do a preventative inspection of your windows and glass doors before the weather turns cold. An exhaustive examination of all glass doors and windows is the initial stage of your pre-winter check-up. Look for any damage to the sealant, such as chips, cracks, or holes.

    Heat loss and higher energy costs can result from very little damage. If you want your door to always open and close smoothly and securely, check that the frames and hinges aren't rusty or decaying.

    When to Opt for Repairs or Replacements

    It may be time to call the pros for repairs or replacements if you find any problems during your examination that are not with regular upkeep. Warning signs indicating a trained expert should be consulted include:

    Condensation

    If the air outside your window is colder than the air inside, it will "condense" or turn into water droplets, which will then collect on the window's surface and frame. Water vapour seeping into the interstitial space between your double-paned windows indicates a broken seal. If you notice that the windows are misting up, it could be because they have blown. This happens when the space between the glass panes opens up, letting condensation or moisture in.

    Chips And Cracks

    Chips or cracks in the glass, which indicate wear and tear, cause concern in the long run. Because the window isn't functioning properly due to a chip or crack, your home is significantly more susceptible to draughts, leaks, condensation, and other problems.

    Water Is Leaking In

    While condensation is normal, water seeping through the window frames during particularly severe weather may indicate a problem with the weather seal. Rather than trying to repair the seal, replacing windows when nearing the end of their shelf life is much more efficient. When water seeps in through cracks in the window frames, it can be difficult to stop mould growth. Mould has many negative impacts on human health, including an increased risk of allergies, infections, and weakened immunity.

    You Can Feel Draughts

    If you notice a draft around the sealants, it's likely because the seals have worn away and are causing problems with your double glazing. You can change the weather seals if you like, but if your windows are old, it might be better to get new ones.

    Your Energy Bills Have Risen

    No one likes to see their energy costs go up, and if you're one of those people, you could notice that you're leaving the heat on longer than usual. If your double glazing isn't performing its intended function—keeping heat in and cold out—it may be time to replace it.

    They Are Becoming More Difficult To Use

    Windows should not require any effort to open; if this is not the case, you may want to consider getting new ones.

    How to Maintain Double Glazing

    Cleaning your windows should be a regular practice by now if it hasn't already been. Cleaning uPVC windows regularly improves their beauty and function. Although uPVC double glazing requires minimal upkeep, it is important to keep it clean to preserve its functional components. To ensure your uPVC double glazing lasts as long as possible, we'll review some maintenance tips here.

    Start With Cleaning The Glass.

    Cleaning uPVC windows four to eight times a year is standard practice. Cleaning uPVC windows with chemical solutions is not a good idea. You can achieve better results using conventional glass cleansers and specialised e-cloths for cleaning glass.

    Our professional step-by-step tutorial is here if you've never cleaned double glazing. To clean the window pane, use a squeegee or mop with moderate water. Applying an excessive amount could result in streaks that are less than desirable. Using a squeegee or mop, carefully cover the entire window with water by sweeping it from side to side.

    Scrubbing the windows from top to bottom with the squeegee in an 'S' shape will remove any water that may have accumulated on them. Successfully remove water by forming an 'S' shape with the squeegee blade held above the water and pushing the moisture down.

    Starting at the window borders, dry the glass with a microfiber towel. To remove any fingerprints or streaks, wipe the entire pane of glass. To avoid unsightly water stains, dry the windows immediately.

    Although tempting, you should avoid using a pressure washer on double-glazing. Damage to the seals and frame damage from the high water pressure could outweigh any benefits.

    Clean The Frames

    Upkeep of a regular cleaning regimen will ensure that modern double glazing remains in good shape for many years. It is important to routinely clean the window frames to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris. Using a moist, non-abrasive cloth to remove dirt and debris is all it takes to clean double-paned windows. For doors with double glazing, use the same procedure: use a moist towel to wipe the frame off; avoid using strong chemicals or washing up liquid, as they can leave unsightly stains and damage that can be easily avoided.

    Inspect The Locks

    Ensure all the locks on your double-glazed windows function well; we highly recommend it. If you want to be sure the locks are in good working order and clean, you should unlock and open all the windows. You can spray the locking strip with oil while the windows are open. Remove any extra with a damp cloth.

    Lubricate The Hinges

    double glazed windows with view

    Be sure to lubricate the handles and hinges of your windows and any other moving components. For windows to appear and work properly, it is necessary to lubricate the visible metal pieces, such as hinges and handles.

    Before you spray the handles with oil:

    • Close the windows.
    • After spraying the window key, place it into the lock's handle.
    • Carefully insert and remove the key from the lock several times while wriggling it.

    Prevent Mould Build-Up

    Problems like condensation are more common in areas with high humidity. This is more likely to happen with worn or broken window seals, which shorten the window's useful life. Consistent condensation also promotes the formation of mould, which can readily harm the frame. Be careful to use a sponge to wipe off your double-glazed windows to avoid pooling water and the potential formation of mould. A second option for maintaining good ventilation in your home is to open the windows and let fresh air into the space.

    Look Out For Damage 

    The best defence is a good offence, so inspect your double glazing frequently for any indications of deterioration. Water leaks can happen if gaskets and seals are worn out and not repaired. Damaged gaskets and seals can also cause cold drafts and inadequate weather protection. Repairing tiny cracks in the double-glazing seals might work, but it's usually only a temporary solution. You may need to change the seals to restore your double glazing to its original condition.  

    Even though double-paned glass is nearly impossible to shatter, it may split under the weight of a particularly powerful impact. Find any tiny cracks in your glazing and fix them right away if you find any. A skilled window specialist can provide a more dependable and long-term solution, while transparent adhesive or tape can remedy a small area of damage. 

    Regular Ventilation 

    Condensation, both on and between the panes of glass, is a well-known issue with double glazing. You keep condensation from forming on your windows, so practice appropriate ventilation habits. Using extractor fans and dehumidifiers for windows in hot and humid areas like kitchens, baths, and other similar spaces can lessen condensation.

    To let fresh air circulate over the entire sealed unit, it is vital to open the windows regularly. The effectiveness and longevity of double glazing might be compromised by condensation. You can extend your windows' life and keep them pristine by preventing moisture from getting inside.

    Essential Maintenance Tips for Winter

    To get your glazing ready for winter, here are some important maintenance tips:

    Weatherstripping And Caulking:

    Check the weatherstripping for signs of hardening, rips, or cracks. Replace damaged weatherstripping and seal window and door frames with new caulk to fix air leaks.

    Deep Cleaning

    Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your windows and doors, making sure to get rid of any dirt, dust, or debris. This guarantees top-notch functioning and permits thorough inspection.

    Lubrication

    To keep things from sticking and running smoothly, use a silicone-based lubricant to coat moving components like tracks and hinges.

    Storm Windows And Doors

    For extra insulation in the winter, consider getting storm windows or doors. These stopgap measures add another buffer against cold air and draughts.

    Window Coverings

    Invest in thick window coverings crafted from insulating materials such as honeycomb or thermal weaves. As a result, heat will be retained within and cold air will be kept out.

    Conclusion

    Double-glazed windows and doors need to be maintained regularly to last a long time, keep you comfortable, and save you money on energy costs. People like modern double-glazed windows and doors because they last a long time and are easy to clean. Checking for problems like chips, cracks, or holes in the sealer before winter can help you avoid them. If these problems aren't fixed, it might be time to get it fixed or replaced by a professional.

    Signs that you should fix your windows include condensation, chips, cracks, water leaks, drafts, rising energy bills, and having trouble opening the windows. If mist forms, it could mean that the seal is broken. On the other hand, if water leaks through the window frames during bad weather, it could mean that the weather seal is broken. If you can feel drafts around sealants, the seals are probably worn out. If your energy bills have gone up, it might be time to get new windows.

    UPVC double glass doesn't need much maintenance, but it should be cleaned regularly to keep its useful parts in good shape. It is normal to clean uPVC windows four to eight times a year with regular glass cleaners and special e-cloths. There is a professional step-by-step guide on how to clean double glass. To clean the window pane, use a squeegee or mop with moderate water and sweep it from side to side, making an "S" shape to get rid of any extra water. You can also get rid of fingerprints or lines by wiping the whole pane of glass with a microfiber towel to dry it. Pressure washers should not be used on double-glazing because they could damage the seals and frame.

    To keep double glass in good shape for years, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Use a soft cloth to clean the frames so that dust doesn't build up. Unlock and open all the windows and spray oil on the locking strip to make sure all the locks work right. Before spraying, use a silicone-based lubricant to coat the joints and handles. Clean the windows with a sponge and open them to let fresh air in to keep mould from growing.

    Check for damage, like seals that are worn out or broken, which can lead to water leaks and cold drafts. Fix small cracks in seals or get new ones if needed. To keep condensation from forming and to make double windows last longer, they need to be ventilated regularly.

    For winter upkeep, look for signs of hardening, rips, or cracks in the weatherstripping and caulking. Replace any weatherstripping that is damaged and use new caulk to seal the frames. Clean the inside and outside of windows and doors well to get rid of any dirt, dust, or other waste. Then, use a silicone-based lubricant to keep everything moving smoothly. For extra warmth in the winter, think about getting storm windows or doors. To keep heat in and cold air out, buy thick window covers made of insulating materials like honeycomb or thermal weaves.

    double glazed windows

    Content Summary

    • Regular maintenance of double-glazed windows and doors extends their lifespan and enhances comfort and energy efficiency.
    • Modern double-glazed windows require little maintenance but benefit significantly from regular care.
    • Glazing maintenance is crucial for a home's thermal performance and security.
    • Inspecting windows and doors before winter ensures they can withstand cold weather.
    • Routine maintenance prevents minor issues from escalating into major problems.
    • A preventative inspection can identify potential issues like damage to sealant or hardware.
    • Small damages can lead to heat loss and increased energy costs.
    • Professional repairs or replacements may be necessary for significant issues.
    • Condensation between panes indicates a broken seal and requires attention.
    • Chips and cracks in the glass compromise window integrity and insulation.
    • Water leakage through frames suggests seal problems and potential for mould growth.
    • Draughts around windows indicate worn seals, possibly necessitating replacement.
    • Rising energy bills can signal failing double glazing performance.
    • Difficulty in opening windows suggests it might be time for replacements.
    • Cleaning double-glazed windows regularly enhances their appearance and function.
    • Avoid chemical solutions for cleaning uPVC windows; use conventional glass cleaners instead.
    • A squeegee or mop with moderate water helps avoid streaks when cleaning windows.
    • Dry the glass with a microfiber towel to eliminate fingerprints or streaks.
    • Avoid using a pressure washer on double-glazing to prevent seal and frame damage.
    • Regular cleaning of window frames prevents dust and debris accumulation.
    • Inspect and maintain the locks on double-glazed windows for security.
    • Lubricate hinges and handles to ensure smooth operation of windows.
    • Preventing mould build-up is crucial in humid areas to protect the frame and seals.
    • Regularly check double glazing for signs of damage, such as leaks or draughts.
    • Small cracks in double-glazing seals can be repaired, but replacements are often necessary.
    • Regular ventilation reduces condensation and maintains window integrity.
    • Using extractor fans and dehumidifiers in humid areas helps prevent condensation.
    • Opening windows regularly allows fresh air to circulate and prevents moisture build-up.
    • Essential winter maintenance includes checking weatherstripping and caulking for air leaks.
    • Deep cleaning windows and doors before winter ensures optimal function and allows for thorough inspections.
    • Lubricate moving parts with silicone-based lubricant to prevent sticking.
    • Consider installing storm windows or doors for additional insulation during winter.
    • Investing in insulating window coverings can retain heat and block cold air.
    • Proper maintenance keeps double-glazed windows secure, warm, and energy-efficient.
    • Identifying and addressing issues early can save on costly repairs or replacements.
    • Effective maintenance practices enhance the durability and reliability of double glazing.
    • Keeping frames clean maintains the aesthetic appeal and functionality of windows.
    • Ensuring locks work properly enhances the security of your home.
    • Lubricating hinges and handles keep windows functioning smoothly.
    • Regular checks for damage help maintain the integrity of double glazing.
    • Ventilation practices prevent condensation and prolong the life of windows.
    • Weatherstripping and caulking are simple yet effective ways to improve insulation.
    • Cleaning and maintenance should be part of seasonal preparations for winter.
    • Silicone lubricants are preferred for lubricating moving parts in windows.
    • Storm windows add an extra layer of protection against cold and draughts.
    • Thermal window coverings are an effective way to improve insulation.
    • Maintenance of double-glazed windows is a cost-effective way to improve home energy efficiency.
    • Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent common double-glazing problems.
    • Professional help may be required for significant repairs or replacements.
    • Maintaining double-glazed windows is essential for maximising their benefits and ensuring home comfort.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Condensation between the glass panes indicates a broken seal. Contact a professional window technician to assess and replace the affected seal.

    During extreme weather, such as heavy storms or freezing temperatures, ensure that windows are securely closed and consider using weather-stripping or draft excluders to prevent air leaks.

    Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive materials when cleaning or handling the glass to prevent scratches. Regularly clean the windows to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches over time.

    Minor damages like small chips or scratches on the frames can often be repaired with DIY kits in hardware stores. However, it's best to consult a professional for more significant damages or issues with the glass.

    By keeping your double-glazed windows well-maintained, you ensure they provide optimal insulation, energy efficiency, and security, contributing to a comfortable and functional living environment.

    Scroll to Top