Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed relatively quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded over time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.
As a quick fix for condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be only used as the last resort. If the condensation is left for too long you may be experiencing mould 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 remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are operational and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time goes by 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 is a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
double glazing repairs Chatham glazing that has mist could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.
This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.
In certain situations professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
You should contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any problems immediately you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your case.
In some cases an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may be re-created.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.