Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repair, from condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still intact.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It is typically caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal may break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if not addressed immediately.
A hairdryer can be used to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation has left for a long time you could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
Rubber seals can get worn out in 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 colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can often be solved. Normally, this involves creating an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and tell them of any issues when you discover them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.
A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create an airtight seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not prevent the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in 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 gas, and the fog may return.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. But, window repair near me to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.