Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.
The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane 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.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has 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 face particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate 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 using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if not addressed quickly.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
Rubber seals may get worn out in time and create drafts between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You can save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into 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 is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common 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. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
Contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and let them know of any problems as soon as you spot 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 be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can be re-applied.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option in the event you're seeking the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.