Maintenance Tips for Your Double Glazing
Contemporary double glazed windows and doors have many benefits and are popular with homeowners because of their ‘maintenance free’ status. While modern double glazing is durable and simple to clean, maintenance is required to keep this glass looking and performing at its best. If you are not sure how to care for your home’s double glazing, keep reading to discover the top maintenance tips from the Exclusive Glazing experts.
How to Maintain Double Glazing – Expert Tips
Clean The Frames
Modern double glazing can be kept in good condition for many years, but it is important to maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Dust and dirt can build up on window frames and will need to be removed regularly. Cleaning uPVC double glazed windows is simple; just wipe the grime away with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. The same process can be used for uPVC doors with double glazing: wipe the frames down with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or washing up liquid, as this can leave marks and cause avoidable damage.
Clean The Glass
Cleaning window frames is a good place to start but the condition of the glass will make or break the overall appearance of your windows. To take all of the work out of cleaning double glazing, you can hire a professional window cleaner to get the job done for you. Alternatively, double glazed windows can be washed with a mild cleaning detergent and warm water.
• If you have never cleaned double glazing before, here is our expert step by step guide: Use a mop or squeegee tool to apply a moderate amount of water to the window pane. Be careful not to use too much, as this can create unsightly streaks. Apply the water to the window by moving the mop or squeegee from side to side, carefully covering all of the glazing.
• Wipe the water off the windows by moving the squeegee in a ‘S’ shape, moving from the top to the bottom of the glass. To successfully wipe the water away, keep the squeegee blade above the water and push the moisture down as you create the ‘S’ shape.
• To dry the glass, use a microfibre cloth and start with the window edges. Wipe over the whole pane of glass and check for any marks and streaks. Dry the windows quickly to prevent any permanent water marks from forming.
It might feel tempting to use a pressure washer to clean double glazing, but this is not a good idea. The high water pressure can do more harm than good, potentially damaging the seals and creating marks on the frames.
Look Out For Damage
Prevention is always the best course of action and it is important to check your double glazing for early signs of damage regularly. Gaskets and seals are prone to wear and tear and if left unrepaired, water leaks can occur. Damaged seals and gaskets can also result in poor weather protection and cold draughts entering your home. It may be possible to patch up small gaps in the double glazing seals, but often this will just be a short term fix. It may be necessary to replace the seals in order to get your double glazing back to full working order.
Double glazing glass panes are extremely difficult to break, but cracks can occur after a large force of impact. Check your glazing for small cracks and, if needed, perform repairs as soon as possible. While a small area of damage can be fixed with a clear adhesive or tape, a professional window specialist will be able to offer a more reliable and long term fix to the problem.
Lubricate Moving Parts
High quality double glazed windows and doors are built to last for many years but the moving parts will require a little TLC over time. If you are having trouble with sticking locks or opening mechanisms, applying a few drops of lubricant can get all parts moving smoothly again. Aim to lubricate your windows and doors at least once a year and if sticking issues continue, seek advice from your installation company.
Regular Ventilation
Double glazing is known to have problems with condensation forming on and between the two glass panes. Practise good ventilation habits to protect your windows from condensation build up. For windows in bathrooms, kitchens and other warm and moisture dense rooms, extractor fans and dehumidifiers can help to reduce the risk of condensation. It is also important to open your windows daily and allow fresh air to circulate around the entire sealed unit. Condensation can hinder the performance of double glazing and shorten its lifespan. Keep moisture away from your windows and you can enjoy top performance for many years to come.
Upgrade Your Windows With Exclusive Glazing!
Exclusive Glazing is a family run home improvements business, based in Kent. We upgrade homes in several areas across the South East and we have over 40 years of window and door installation experience. We offer a wide range of double glazed products, including several window and door styles, orangeries and conservatories.
To discuss your double glazing project with our expert team, call 0800 999 5200. Alternatively, you can get in touch by filling out our online contact form.
