Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repair such as condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be fixed.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows when needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
Hairdryers can be used to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small gap into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In certain situations an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.
Make sure that you only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople windows glass replacement near me have been fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them windows repair near me to provide a high-quality replace glass in window near me service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog may be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice when you're looking for a long-term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the u p v c windows near me lifespan of your window and window fitting near me decrease the need for repairs.