Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs such as condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be solved.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a simple temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to determine the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when required.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should be used as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
For a more 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 dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll also check for damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure 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 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. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit here is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and let them know of any issues immediately you spot them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your case.
A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, 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 do so. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution double glazed window suppliers near me can cause more harm in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. A here variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.
If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A window replaced near me professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and website does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.