How to Take Care of Your Double Glazing – And Why You Should

You may already have double glazing, most homes do (93% of the UK in fact) but you may have taken it for granted or not realised it needed some maintenance. Here are some reasons to invest in repairing, maintaining or even replacing and upgrading your double glazing as well as methods on how to do so. 

Energy Bills Increase

The first and perhaps most obvious reason to check your double glazing is doing its job – the recent energy bill cap increase. 

A record increase in global gas prices has seen the energy price cap in the UK rise by a staggering 54%. This has meant that from the 1st of April, an increase of £693 has now made it cost around £2,000 for energy per year, something that is no doubt extremely worrying for a large portion of the 22 million energy customers that this affects. 

While customers who are struggling can contact their supplier to see if they can access any help available to them, conserving and improving the effectiveness of your energy and heating with insulating double-glazed windows will be a massive help when it comes to saving money.

Dealing with Energy Bills in General

If not all of the windows in your house are double glazed, look into getting those odd windows upgraded. Unless you shut off and don’t heat the rooms that these remaining single glazed windows are in, they can allow heat to escape and be the cause of you needing your heating on for higher and longer, causing more expensive energy bills. 

Don’t neglect a broken or cracked window either. Insulation is key to effective energy and heating expenditure. If the crack is small enough you may be able to temporarily fix it with sealant or tape, perhaps even boarding it up temporarily.

If all else fails, or you just don’t fancy doing these sorts of jobs yourself, just search glazing repairs near me to find a local expert that can repair or replace your double glazing. 

Checking Your Windows

People are much more likely to notice issues with plumbing and heating in winter. In fact, the change in temperature can cause these issues, including cracks in windows. 

Even if spring has begun and you still feel cold with the heating on, windows are one of the first things you should check, along with your radiators and boiler.

Weather in the UK doesn’t let itself be bossed around by the seasons. Snow in April? Why not. So while it might be harder to tell if there’s anything wrong in the warmer months, take advantage of a colder or windy day to check if your windows have any problems. If you hear whistling through your windows caused by the wind, it might be time to investigate further.

Check The Window Gaskets

Gaskets are the black (or sometimes white) rubber seals you’ll often notice around double-glazed windows. They are used to add extra insulation, weatherproof and secure glass panels in place, amongst other uses like sound reduction. Like all things, they wear down over time as they are exposed to the elements, including temperature changes. This causes the rubber to shrink and crack.

If you’re feeling an unwelcomely cold draught even with your windows closed, you could need your window gasket replaced. If you’re not sure how to do this, speak to a specialist who can help identify what type of gasket you need and fit it properly for you. It’s important that a gasket is properly fitted for full effectiveness.

How to Maintain Your Window Frames

Maintaining your window frames is just as important, purchasing a few frame care products to repair your UPVC frames could save you money on a costly replacement. A silicone sealant will be great for filling in gaps and cracks, whilst a silicone spray can reduce friction on the moving plastic parts and help prevent wear and tear on your frames.

Take Pride in Your Windows

Not only will keeping your windows in good condition make your house look good, it could even raise its value as well as save you money on energy. A worthy investment.

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