Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be solved.
If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a simple temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum 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 scoring 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 with an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if still in good shape.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Let it dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down over time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If the condensation has been left for too long it may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll also check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
Rubber seals can wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You will save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
This is a simple issue to repair and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the right tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it is often fixed. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Be sure to do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your case.
A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create a seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not prevent moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.
Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could here cause more damage in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened and you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by many factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and how to fix them.
When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could be re-applied.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you might face are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.