Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off relatively quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which then condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when required.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.
As a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be used as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. window repairs should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.
This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to fix this problem. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and inform them of any issues immediately you notice them. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.
In some cases an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.
Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.
When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.