10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs Tricks Experts Recommend
10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs Tricks Experts Recommend
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Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repairs such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues are fixable.
If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a low-cost solution that is quick and easy to fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to hire an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed promptly.
For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be used as an option last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. 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 will also check for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the 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, and cooler air out. You'll reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.
This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than doing it by hand. The tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.
In certain cases professionals might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this can often be solved. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your complaint.
A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.
Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a 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, such as the weather, age, and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.
A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include more info putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog can be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good 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 you might face are covered. This means you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.