8 Tips To Up Your Double Glazed Windows Repairs Game
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons your double-glazed windows could need repairs including condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. 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. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It is typically caused by high moisture levels 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 often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if not addressed quickly.
A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should be used as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In some instances an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a a new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.