Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.
If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be reused if they're intact.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. 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 you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The seals that are applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.
For a quick fix to 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 final option. If the condensation is left for a long time you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.
As a long-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 in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also inspect for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.
This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the proper tools. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it by hand. The tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is possible to fix this problem. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
Contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any issues as soon as you spot them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your case.
In some instances the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It may also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.
If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from here the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may be re-applied.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is best to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you may have are covered. You can be sure that your investment will provide the best results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.