Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed immediately.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be used only as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
Rubber seals can wear out in time and create drafts between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You will reduce your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.
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 properly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals into position and this is normally quicker than trying to do it manually. window repairs near me have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements, and will offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can be easily repaired. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.
If you spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In some cases an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog could be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.