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. Many of these issues are fixable.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It’s a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off quite quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier’s points and Double glazing metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there’s any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier’s points can be reused if they’re in good condition.
You’ll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier’s compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It’s usually caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects 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 running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
It’s also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a failing seal. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They’ll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they’ll also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.
This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.
If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.
A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form a seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt 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 are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust that they will provide you with a 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 many factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and how to repair them.
When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. It’s a frequent issue and it can cause the window replacement near me to look visually distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method isn’t 100% reliable, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog may be re-created.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and is a great option when you’re seeking the long-term solution. But, it’s best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.