Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repairs including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause moisture to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's 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 loosen the pieces, which should come away fairly 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 place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down over time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.
window repair Canterbury can use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be used as a last option. If the condensation has left for too long you could be looking at mould or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a professional.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
Rubber seals may wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.
If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your claim.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is generally only temporary and won't stop the moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be certain that they will provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually distorted. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog may return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. But, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be assured that you'll get the most out of your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.