Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Many of these issues are fixable.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall away quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good shape.
The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed immediately.
As a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You will reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up 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 space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.
This is a simple problem to repair, and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.
In certain cases, a professional could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues as soon as you discover them. Be sure to do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.
A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not stop the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other type 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. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to fix them.
If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually distorted. 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 damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clear. read more However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues 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 that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.