There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs, from condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a simple, cheap solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow reflazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.
It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your 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 and then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.
This is a simple issue to fix and windows can be quickly 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. window repair near me have a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems when you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will aid in proving your case.
A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not prevent the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's 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. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened and you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear disfigured. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.
