Double glazed windows are designed to provide superior insulation and energy efficiency, but sometimes they can become drafty, letting in unwanted cold air and driving up heating costs. If you’re experiencing drafts around your double glazed windows, it’s important to identify the root cause and take appropriate action to fix the problem. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons for drafty double glazed windows and provide practical solutions to help you restore your windows to their optimal performance.
Broken Window Hinges
One of the most frequent causes of drafty double glazed windows is broken or malfunctioning window hinges. When the hinges aren’t working properly, they can cause gaps around the window sashes, allowing cold air to seep in. You can usually tell if the hinges are broken by looking for a noticeable gap on the hinge side of the window.
To test if your window hinges are the culprit, try slipping a piece of paper between the frame and the opening window. If the paper can easily slide in, it’s a sign that the hinges need to be replaced.
Replacing broken window hinges is a relatively straightforward process that can be done from inside the house, without the need for ladders or going outside. It’s important to ensure that the new hinges are properly aligned and secured to prevent future drafts.
Perished Window Seals
Another common cause of drafty double glazed windows is perished or damaged window seals. These rubber seals are located around the perimeter of each opening window and are essential for creating an airtight seal when the window is closed.
Over time, the window seals can become hard, brittle, or shrink, especially at the corners of the frame, leaving gaps where cold air can enter. To check if your window seals are the problem, press on them with your finger. If the rubber feels hard or inflexible, it’s likely that the seals have perished and need to be replaced.
Replacing window seals is a relatively simple task that can be done by a competent DIY enthusiast or a professional window repair service. It’s important to ensure that the new seals are properly fitted and that any gaps or shrinkage are addressed to prevent future drafts.
Corroded Window Locks
Draughty double glazed windows can also be caused by corroded or malfunctioning window locks. Most modern uPVC windows are fitted with espagnolette locks, which operate a locking strip with mushroom-shaped heads into steel keeps when the window handle is turned.
If the locks become corroded or jammed, it can prevent the locking strip from fully engaging, leaving gaps on the locking side of the window and allowing air to seep through. To fix this problem, the window locks may need to be lubricated or replaced entirely.
Replacing window locks is a straightforward process that can be done by a competent DIY enthusiast or a professional window repair service. It’s important to ensure that the new locks are properly installed and that the locking strip is fully engaging with the steel keeps to prevent future drafts.
Poor Window Installation
In some cases, drafty double glazed windows can be caused by poor installation. If the window frame is not square or properly aligned, it can prevent the opening sash from closing and sealing properly.
To fix this problem, it may be necessary to remove the window fixings and reposition the frame to ensure it’s square and correctly aligned. This process can vary depending on the specific situation and may require the expertise of a professional window installer.
It’s important to note that poor installation is less common than other causes of drafty double glazed windows, but it’s still a possibility to consider if the other solutions don’t resolve the problem.
Preventive Maintenance
To help prevent drafty double glazed windows and extend the life of your windows, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. This includes:
- Lubricating window hinges and locks annually to prevent corrosion and seizing
- Checking window seals for signs of perishing or shrinkage and replacing them if necessary
- Ensuring that window frames remain square and properly aligned
- Addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage and drafts
By following these preventive maintenance tips and addressing any issues as soon as they arise, you can help keep your double glazed windows performing at their best and minimize the risk of drafts and energy loss.