Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repair such as condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be solved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any sign 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 in good shape.
The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Finally, install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows as needed.
It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed quickly.
As a quick fix to condensation, you can 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 the condensation is left for too long, you may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.
For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught proofing treatment 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 are likely to break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.
In certain situations professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and it will still provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and inform them of any issues as soon as you spot them. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will help you prove your claim.
In certain situations the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have 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, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and how to repair them.
When a window seal fails it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clean. This method is not foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog may come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.