Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repair, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, affordable solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much 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. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
A hairdryer can be used to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You'll reduce your energy bill.
Double glazing that has mist could be a sign of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that can't be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.
In certain situations, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for 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 an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to fix this problem. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
Contact the company from which you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems when you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your claim.
A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make the seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. It is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure that they will offer a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. window repairs near me offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could come back.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. 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 choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.