Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick, cheap solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, 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. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still intact.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
As a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, double glazing window repair saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be website cleaned off.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.
In certain cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This can be more cost-effective than 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 may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this is often fixed. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues when you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes double glazed window repair arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and make a seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek professional help in case you more info are unsure of what to do. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy 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. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.
When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear disfigured. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may 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 is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.