Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick and affordable solution.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal can be damaged over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if not addressed quickly.
You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If the condensation has left for a long time you might be facing mold or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate window and door repairs any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
Rubber seals may wear out over time and cause drafts between your two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, 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 is windows repair near me made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.
Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not stop the moisture from returning. It here may also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Super read more glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.
When a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common issue, upvc windows repairs and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can come back.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.