Ten Things Everyone Misunderstands About The Word "Double Glazed Windows Repairs."
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repairs, from condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is usually a simple solution that is quick and easy to fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive 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 help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact an expert to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows if required.
It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.
Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation has been left for too long it may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blow-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, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain cases professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is often possible to fix this problem. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your case.
In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and won't stop the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.
Remember that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and the best way to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air-pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could return.
A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will provide the best results. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.