Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. The majority of these issues can be solved.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
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When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and may cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.
The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. 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 on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if not addressed immediately.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation has left for too long you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
As time passes, 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. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. 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 cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it is often repaired. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to 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 complaint.
A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.
Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be certain that they will provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.
If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog can return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.