Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair double glazing windows for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. The majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). 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. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Finally, install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the upvc window repairs. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows if required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can break down in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.
You can use a hairdryer to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should only be used as the last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They will remove the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
Rubber seals can wear out over time and create drafts between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.
In some cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is possible to fix this problem. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues when you discover them. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your repairing upvc windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. 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 traders are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to fix them.
When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog could return.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.