Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Most of these problems can be solved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This can make 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.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. window repairs will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. 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 wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. This is usually caused by high moisture levels within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when needed.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will be damaged over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be used as an option last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.
This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations an expert might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can often be solved. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your complaint.
In certain situations the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog may return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.