Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be fixed.
If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick, cheap fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. 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 remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, grease the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. 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 levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation has been left for too long it may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew, and perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
Rubber seals can wear down over time and create a draft between your two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than trying to do it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small gap in the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double-glazed windows.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can often be fixed. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.
Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will help you prove your complaint.
In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not stop the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just 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 be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. 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 tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear disfigured. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional glazier can Repair My Windows And Doors a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. You can also try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.