Double-Glazing Maintenance – A Comprehensive Guide

Double-glazing is the standard for windows in the UK for a reason. They are fantastic at minimising heat loss through windows, which otherwise lose up to 20% of all heat in the home. 

While the standards for maintenance differ between window frame types, it’s important to know what exactly is required of each to keep your windows in top shape. Poorly maintained windows can lead to a loss of insulation ability, which is sometimes permanent, reducing your window’s ability to retain heat.

But what are these maintenance requirements for double glazing? In this guide, we will go over what they are, as well as indications when you may need double-glazing repairs.

What are the maintenance requirements for double-glazed windows?

The following are the basic regular maintenance requirements that cover all double-glazed windows:

• Regular cleaning – The glass panes of your home must be kept clean. Use a mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals as they may damage pre-existing coatings. Wipe down the entire frame to remove dust and dirt, using a vacuum to clear the debris up (especially from window tracks). Dirt buildup doesn’t only stain the glass panes and reduce visibility, but it also specifically damages the frames.
• Maintaining seals – Check the quality of your seals. They are located around the perimeter of your glass, between the panes, and keep your insulating gas (argon, krypton or air) trapped inside. If you see moisture inside the glass panes, your seals may have failed. Broken seals lead to irreversible insulation loss.
• Ventilation – Open your trickle vents or windows now and then to promote fresh air circulation, reducing humidity. Alternatively, air bricks or a dehumidifier could do the job. Humidity encourages mould growth, which can form on the surrounding walls and slowly spread. If mould grows on the frames, it will begin to weaken them with irreparable damage.
• Lubrication – The moving parts of your windows getting stiff will compromise the use of your windows more than through stiffness, leading to broken handles and joints, but also through misaligning your entire window frame. This can lead to drafts or gaps, which compromise your windows.
• Crack inspection – Check for cracks. They are a fairly fast-acting source of damage. Cracks in the glass, especially, will eventually expand and cause a loss of insulation. If you find one, search for a double-glazing repair provider to nip it in the bud.

How to clean different window frame materials

Frame material differs based on need and aesthetics:

• uPVC frames – uPVC frames require next to no maintenance whatsoever, making them much beloved. Any dirt that clings to the frame can be washed off with mild detergent. The most likely issue you will face is sticking and discolouration.
• Aluminium frames – Clean using mild detergent, but be careful of your cloth use. Ensure it’s non-abrasive to avoid scratching the aluminium. Furthermore, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from vacuum rails to prevent damage, and ensure that drainage holes are clear to prevent water accumulation. Do not neglect aluminium, as corrosion can form a result.
• Timber frames – Wood windows have an issue with rotting due to their ability to absorb, and be damaged by moisture. Ensure that you treat your whole frame with wood preservatives to prevent this, and repaint/varnish every few years to protect against moisture.
• Composite frames – Clean your frames using non-abrasive cleaners. This is necessary to maintain a surface finish. Sealant failures between materials may be your biggest concern here, as allowing moisture to pass the surface materials and reach timber will harm the window from the inside.

What are the best maintenance tips by window type?

Depending on what type of double-glazed window you have, you may need to change how you approach maintenance:

• Sash windows – The most common problems with sash windows are sticking and jamming in the sliding channels due to dirt buildup. Furthermore, frayed sash cords can prevent the windows from moving correctly, and draughts can occur from out seals. Ensure you clean the window tracks often with a vacuum cleaner, whilst keeping the pulley system lubricated. Check around the perimeter of the glass, also, for draughts.
• Casement windows – Hinges often go stiff from rust or dirt in the hinge joints, and locks sometimes become loose or misaligned over time. Keep the hinges lubricated, and check the locking mechanism often for issues – ensuring that if problems occur, you follow up repairs as soon as possible.
• Tilt and turn windows – The handles are a common issue, as tilt and turn also have problems with locking mechanisms, meaning you should keep lubricating. Another issue is the tilt function failing, usually because the safety lock prevents moving parts. Check the safety locking clip in these cases, and ensure it’s probably clean.

Should I repair or replace my double-glazed windows?

The answer to this depends on the particular issues with your double-glazed windows.

The following are some signs that you require double glazing repairs:

• Condensation between the two panes – If moisture is forming between the two panes of glass, then your seals have failed. Opting to call for a double-glazing repair means defogging and resealing the unit by drilling a small hole and injecting a drying agent to destroy the condensation. Then, the pane is resealed. Of course, the source of the condensation must also be tackled.
• Draughts – If you feel like the frame is allowing cold air to enter, then replacing rubber gasket seals can restore an airtight seal around the frame. If that isn’t the issue, then you need to adjust the hinges for a tighter fit.
• Malfunctioning handles, locks and hinges – If these areas are malfunctioning, then replacing them with individual components is a cost-effective way of restoring your windows. Hinges that are sticking can be lubricated, and if locking points are overly compressed, then your modern windows likely can fine-tune how tightly the stash presses against the frame.
• Minor surface damage – Depending on the frame, there are several repair methods you can chase:
  • uPVC frames – a uPVC restorer can clean discolouration and minor surface marks that happen over time.
  • Aluminium frames – Oxidation can be removed by using a specialist aluminium cleaner and protective coatings, whereas any loose screws or fitting can be easily replaced.
  • Timber frames – A small amount of wood filler can fill cracks and reseal them with protective paint or varnish. Any moisture is fully removed before sealing to prevent future rot.

However, there are cases where you’re better off replacing your windows with new windows:

• Severe condensation – Severe condensation means that the window seals have not only just failed, but insulation has likely leaked from the unit. This means even if you were to get rid of condensation and repair the seals, your double-glazed windows would have lost their integrity.
• Warp or rotten frames – Frames that have been compromised mean that the structure has been deformed, either due to moisture, heat or prolonged wear. This can result in gaps that drain energy efficiency.
• Recurring repairs – If a part continuously breaks, then replacement is likely the most cost-effective in the long run.