What Double Glazed Windows Repairs Is Your Next Big Obsession?

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Many of these issues are fixable.

If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining 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 Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too many levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in an expert to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows if needed.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it's not addressed immediately.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small hole in the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this is often fixed. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and let them know of any issues as soon as you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. Having  window repairs Eltham  in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. It is always best to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear disfigured. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may return.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.