Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Most of these problems are fixable.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off quite quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if still in good condition.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows when required.
It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.
Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should only be only used as an option last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If window repairs has blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than trying to do it by hand. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
Contact the company through which you bought your windows and inform them of any problems as soon as you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.
In some instances the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix them.
When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog could be re-created.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you're seeking the long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be assured 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of repairs.