Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
If double glazing repair Braintree or window is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, cheap solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will help prevent 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.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass 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 for condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
Rubber seals may wear down over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your 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 and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can be easily repaired. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In certain situations, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's important to know what the signs are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.