Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start 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 a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should be removed relatively quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still in good condition.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It is typically caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who can identify the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.
You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation has been left for a long time it could be looking at mould or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.
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 gap to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught 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 colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.
This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small gap in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to fix this problem. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.
You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems immediately you notice them. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.
A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is typically only temporary and will not prevent the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.
Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help here when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog can be re-created.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice when you're seeking a long-term solution. It is best to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.