Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be solved.
If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape 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 the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.
This is a simple issue to fix, and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can often be solved. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.
In some instances, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not prevent the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could return.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.