Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap solution that is quick and easy to fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces, which should come away fairly quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.
The remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded over time and allow 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 quickly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be used only as an option last option. If High Wycombe window repairs has been allowed to sit for too long it may be experiencing mould or dampness within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll reduce your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.
Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small gap in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It could be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is possible to resolve this issue. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.
Contact the company from whom you bought your windows and let them know of any problems as soon as you discover them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and make the seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and won't stop the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
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. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may return.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be assured that your investment will provide the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.