Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be solved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. 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 compound that is contained in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It is typically caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if not addressed immediately.
As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used only as the last option. If the condensation is left for too long you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll also examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bill.
Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.
This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than doing it manually. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements, and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It can be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. window repairs is often possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means creating an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.
If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your complaint.
A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. It is best to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. They can be damaged by various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.