Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, affordable fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess 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 there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.
The remaining frame must be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. This is usually caused by too many moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when needed.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal can break down over time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
You can use a hairdryer to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long, you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, 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.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. window repairs near me come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that this can be easily solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your claim.
A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double repair of your glazing. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age 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 fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you might face are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.
