If you’ve got double-glazed units at home, you need to make sure you’re taking the best care of them. A failed double-glazed window, whether through a broken seal or damaged frame or glass, means you lose all the fantastic benefits of double-glazing, which nobody wants.
To ensure the longevity of your windows, they require simple, quick checks and cleaning. In this post, we’ll talk about double-glazing units and how you can take the best care of them to keep them looking beautiful and working optimally.
A quick introduction to double glazing
Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with a layer of inert gas in between. Spacer bars keep the panes apart and contain a drying agent to prevent moisture buildup. This is all sealed in uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), a type of common plastic used in home construction.
The gas between the panes is responsible for keeping your home warm, as by the time the cold from the outside air has travelled through the gas, it has warmed up. If the seal breaks, the gas escapes, and the windows are no longer able to regulate the temperature, resulting in a cold home and glass covered in condensation.
For a more in-depth explanation of what double glazing is and its benefits, take a look at our double-glazed windows blog post.
Do double-glazed windows need maintenance?
Just like any other type of window, double-glazed units need proper cleaning and maintenance to keep them crystal clear and working well. Due to their structure and materials, double-glazed windows have a slightly more specific approach to maintenance, but it is still very easy to take care of them.
If you don’t look after your double glazed windows, they could fail. This could be a result of the seals degrading due to dirt and mould, or the plastic getting damaged. If this happens, you lose all the benefits of double glazing.
What is the best product for cleaning double glazing?
You may be surprised to learn that the best products are the least expensive or complicated. You should, however, ensure you’re using the right products for the right part of the window.
The glass
It may feel natural to reach for your trusty glass cleaner when cleaning the panes, but when it comes to double glazing, it’s wise to think again. Many glass cleaning products, especially those with ammonia, alcohol or bleach in them, can damage the plastic of the window if it runs down onto it.
We suggest using a white vinegar solution of one part vinegar to two or three parts water in a spray bottle. Douse the glass then wipe it off with a microfibre cloth, or use a squeegee for a perfect, streak-free finish. If the glass is quite dirty, add a couple of drops of washing-up liquid to the solution to cut through grease buildup. You can also use a simple soapy water solution if you don’t have vinegar.
The frame
For the uPVC frames, the best thing to use is a white vinegar solution or soapy water. This is good news as vinegar and washing-up liquid are affordable and likely already stocked in your home. Wipe your frames with one of these solutions and a soft cloth to remove any grime or grease.
This plastic can be damaged or discoloured by strong chemicals, so it’s essential that you don’t use the following:
- Bleach
- White spirit
- Methylated spirits
- Cream cleaners
- Scouring powders
- Ammonia
- WD40
- Steel wool, scouring tools, and other abrasive tools
Once the plastic is scratched or yellowing, there is nothing you can do to repair it without having the frames replaced. Opt for simple white vinegar or soap to avoid costly replacements.
For the edges of the frames, use a vacuum to get rid of any loose dust or dirt. Next, use a soft brush (a vacuum attachment works well) to brush away dirt and get into the corners. Finally, use a mild soapy water and a cloth to clean. For hinges, a few drops of light multi-purpose oil works well as lubricant.
Is there a way to clean inside a double-glazed window?
Unfortunately, you can’t clean the inside of a double-glazed window. This is because the window is a sealed unit, and by breaking that open, you release the innate gas between the panes. This renders the unit useless in terms of the benefits of double glazing: you lose the temperature regulation and protection against condensation. It’s almost worse than single glazing, as moisture will quickly gather between the panes and you’ll be faced with misted windows you can do nothing about.
Double-glazed units from Norwich Glass Company
By using simple solutions and non-abrasive tools, you can keep your uPVC windows clean and your frames white for years to come. Adding a quick window clean to your weekly or fortnightly task list will ensure you get to enjoy the benefits of double glazing for long into the future.
Unfortunately, some double-glazed windows are beyond saving, whether due to very advanced age or damage. Should this happen, trust the experts to replace your windows quickly and efficiently, leaving you with brand-new double-glazed units. Our glaziers are experts in double-glazing, ready to make replacements with minimal fuss and disruption.
If you’re looking for experts in double glazing in Norwich, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a quote. Call and speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01603 431409, or use our simple enquiry form on our website.