Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.
If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.
First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at 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. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if still intact.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by high moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.
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 eliminate any moisture that remains. In this process, they'll also look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
The rubber seals wear down over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. 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 in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.
In certain cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still give you an effective protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. Basildon double glazing repairs could be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can be easily fixed. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.
You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and inform them of any issues when you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.
A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form the seal. However, this is typically only temporary and will not prevent the moisture from returning. It is also 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 experience required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are certain that they will provide high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to look visually disoriented. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air-pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.