Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess after the glass is removed. 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 constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good condition.
The remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If window repairs remains an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when required.
It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are operational and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will allow 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 in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.
This is a simple issue to repair and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your message. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and create a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double repair of your glazing. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.
