The Reasons Double Glazed Windows Repairs Is More Difficult Than You Think
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. 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.
After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if still intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
Hairdryers can be used for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.
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. It's simple to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is composed of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that can't be removed.
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 right. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain cases professionals could 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 less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can be easily fixed. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues as soon as you discover them. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your case.
A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. It is best to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. 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, keep double glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may be re-applied.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great 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. You can be certain that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.