Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Many of these issues can be resolved.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a simple, inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If window repairs is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to contact an expert to determine the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows if needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if not addressed promptly.
As a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation is left for a long time you could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
The rubber seals wear down over time and create a draft between your two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.
This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.
In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is often possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows and inform them of any issues as soon as you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In certain situations the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog could return.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option in the event you're seeking the long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.