Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair including condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and cheap solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed relatively quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still intact.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows when necessary.
It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should only be only used as an option last resort. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long, you could be looking at mold or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
Rubber seals can get worn out in time and create a draft between your two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small gap into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this is often solved. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
Contact the company from which you bought your windows and inform them of any issues when you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
In window repairs will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
Make sure that you only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, 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 humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually disoriented. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may come back.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.