Why Everyone Is Talking About Double Glazed Windows Repairs Right Now
Why Everyone Is Talking About Double Glazed Windows Repairs Right Now
Blog Article
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and optimum energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. 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 then need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at mould or dampness in your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You'll save money on your energy bill.
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 separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.
This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.
In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will give you an effective protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
You should contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any problems as soon as you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
In certain situations the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not prevent moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be certain that they will provide quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.
A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog get more info issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog can be re-created.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.