Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is usually a low-cost solution that is quick and easy to fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.
The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Let it dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair 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 failing seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.
For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your here insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that can't be removed.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain cases professionals might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and inform them of any issues as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can be re-applied.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.