7 Essential double glazing checks ahead of winter

The winter months can be a difficult time of the year for many homes and offices due to the extreme change in temperatures. Your double glazing will need to be checked ahead of the winter to make sure it is being as efficient as possible at locking in heat. Equally, it is not causing condensation build-up, dampness or other possible health hazards.

We have broken down everything you need to check to keep your double-glazing systems working and functioning properly. If unchecked you could be causing damage to your home or work without realising, that will ultimately cost you further money.

We were established in 1991 and have grown into a leading independent specialist, that supplies and installs glass partitions and glass fire screens to the UK. Our fully trained and skilled in-house fitters are best placed at advising checks and are more than happy to help. 

To save time we’ve broken everything down into a small checklist. We recommend checking the following which do not need expert advice.

Added insulation 

Double glazing is far better than single glazing as it adds an extra layer of insulation to your windows. However, we recommend that you go a step further by adding curtains to your windows for added insulation against the cold weather. 

It will help you retain heat and maximise the double-glazing effectiveness during the winter days. Blinds can also be used with great effect but curtains help retain the most heat.

Maintenance clean

Over time your double glazing can be impacted by the external environment and become damaged. High winds, rainfall and extreme temperatures can all wear away at the seal and cause moulding or parts to break away. It is recommended to remove and clean the build-up of dirt to make sure nothing can cause mould growth. 

Additionally, we recommend you lubricate the door hinges and any moving parts, this will make sure dirt isn’t getting caught in the door angles and will prevent damage to moving parts.

Ventilation

Check your vents and make sure they are open when you aren’t in, as this will create air circulation without wasting energy. When you leave them closed you aren’t letting fresh air into your house or office which can cause a build-up of condensation. This will cause mould build-up and depending on the frame structure can break them down. It will likely spread to nearby walls and then be the source of a damp issue. 

Circulating fresh air in combination with your heating will keep the interior dry and prevent any damage from happening. Once you are at home or the office, we’d recommend opening them periodically to be as energy efficient as possible. 

Handles, locks and weather strips

Broken or faulty handles can be a source of many problems for your double-glazing system. We recommend checking that your door handles close fully and are not a source of a draught. Check your locks as a persuasion to keep your home or office safe from intrusion, as internal rust can appear over time making it harder to turn the key.

Weather strips around the frame of your double glazing could be damaged from the outside environment which will cause condensation to build up on the outside and in. It is worth clicking them back into place, cleaning them out or replacing them altogether, as this will help lock heat into your home or office.

Condensation build-up and dehumidifier

As already mentioned during the winter months you can see a build-up of condensation which will cause huge damage to your frames. This is due to the conflicting temperatures from outside to inside, which can be helped/reduced by opening your vents, adding extra insulation and placing a dehumidifier near your windows/partitionings. 

These will all help regulate the moisture in the air and combat any rapid change in temperatures. A dehumidifier will take the moisture out of the air and keep your windows and walls dry, which is a cost-effective way to keep your house or office efficiently heated without the growth of mould/dampness.

Condition of frame, glass and seals

It is worth spending time checking the overall condition of your double-glazing system to see if any improvements could be made. The frame might need cleaning or replacing, while the glass could be damaged or broken. 

This will lead to further deterioration of your double-glazing system and could lead to the whole system needing to be replaced. Seals typically go unnoticed and are the most common to break first. It is important to check your seals first before anything else.

Professional Inspection

For a comprehensive inspection then contact us for further information. We will meticulously inspect the seal, hinges, glass, handles and more to make sure your double-glazing system is working correctly ahead of time. We understand that heating your home or office can be expensive so we want to make sure all our customers are fitted with the correct systems and are maintained to a high standard. A professional inspection will include an assessment of all of the above and detaching any part that requires cleaning out.

Internal partitions can suffer from similar problems if not checked before the winter months, as the change in temperature from one room to another can cause a build-up of condensation. Additionally, the hinges on glass doors and partition systems can wear and tear over time causing the internal lubricant to dry out, it is worth reapplying the solution to hinged angles to make sure they are closing and opening smoothly. 

Reach out to Office Blinds and Glazing for specialist advice and we will come out and see you to make sure your double-glazing system is performing efficiently. Our customers matter to us, as we are a family-run business and care about the quality of our products and services. 

Read our other blogs ahead of the winter to make sure you are being as efficient as possible with your energy and keeping your bills low.

• 10 ways to keep your office warm in the winter
• Everything you need to know about glass partitions

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