What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repairs including condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a simple, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces, which should come off fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.

The remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which then condenses 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 often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used only as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows 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 area to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any damage, mildew or mould growth and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any issues as soon as you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not prevent moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can be re-created.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're looking for the long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.