Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.
If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and cheap solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.
The remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair 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 may break down in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if it's not addressed quickly.
For a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If the condensation is left for a long time you could be looking at mould or dampness in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any signs of damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment 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 insulated can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.
In certain cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this can often be solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.
In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. It is always best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by various elements, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and the best way to repair them.
If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice when you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.