Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Most of these problems can be resolved.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.
The remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when required.
It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will be damaged in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if not addressed immediately.
As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has left for too long you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
The rubber seals wear out over time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You will reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that can't be removed.
This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
If window repair Edgware spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create the seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is always best to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace inert gasses, so the fog may come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option when you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be certain that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.