Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.
If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, affordable solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.
The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, Window Repair. scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier’s facets and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there’s any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still in good condition.
You’ll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier’s compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in winter months. It’s usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it’s crucial to contact an expert to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.
It’s also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal will become degraded over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be used only as the last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.
For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They’ll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During this process, they’ll also check for damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. It’s an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, Double Glazed Windows Repairs and colder air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which can’t be removed.
This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals into position and this is normally quicker than doing it by hand. These tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows’ by drilling a small gap into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and let them know of any issues when you spot them. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In some instances the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.
When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, further reducing the glass’s insulating qualities.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn’t replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may be re-created.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great option if you’re looking for a long-term solution. However, it’s best to select a company that has a warranty on 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. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer’s care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.