Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repairs including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off relatively quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should 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 in good condition.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a failing seal. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
As 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 be only used as the last option. If the condensation is left for a long time it could be looking at mold or dampness in your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
Rubber seals can wear out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain situations an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this can be easily repaired. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and let them know of any issues immediately you spot them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will help you prove your case.
In some instances, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to remember that upvc door repairs you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure they will provide a quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the 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 typically the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.