Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, cheap solution.
Broken Panes
When a window is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less energy-efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments, which should come away fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as an option last option. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long you may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.
This is a straightforward issue to fix, and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the right tools. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain cases an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements, and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can be easily solved. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.
As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your claim.
A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make a seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.
Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.
If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting 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 can return.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.