Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could need repairs including condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're in good condition.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner 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. Let it dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which then condenses 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 enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get a professional to get to the bottom 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 due to the factory-applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by an expert.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.
A professional may be able'reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. It is often possible to resolve this issue. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
Contact the company from which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems when you discover them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your complaint.
A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create an airtight seal. However, this is typically only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into 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 fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog can be re-applied.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. But, window repairs to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.