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Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may need repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down over time, allowing 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 quickly enough.
As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be handled by an expert.
Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can often be repaired. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be sure that they will offer a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to repair them.
When a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.
A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog could come back.
If double glazing repairs Bexley (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.