Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good shape.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. If window repairs near me has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. This is usually caused by high moisture levels within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.
A hairdryer can be used to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In this process, they'll also check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can break down and this can create a draught in 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 colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.
This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.
In certain situations, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be repaired. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.
You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems immediately you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog can come back.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.