Double Glazed Windows Repairs's History Of Double Glazed Windows Repairs In 10 Milestones
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick and affordable fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. 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 may be reused if still in good shape.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Let it dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. This is usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
Hairdryers can be used to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can result in 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 the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.
In some cases an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is often possible to resolve this issue. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and tell them of any issues when you notice them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
In some cases an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is recommended to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide top-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, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.
When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. 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 extend the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.