Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments, which should come away quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be used again if they're intact.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to contact an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows as necessary.
It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if not addressed immediately.
As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If the condensation has left for too long, you could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small gap into the window and adding a desiccant or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to correct this issue. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
window repairs should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues as soon as you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.
In certain situations, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.
Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you aren't sure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually disoriented. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog can return.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good option if you're looking for a long term solution. It's best to select a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.