Why Double Glazed Windows Repairs Is So Helpful In COVID-19

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repair including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.

If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in 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 constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still intact.

The remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in winter months. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal may break down in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.

You can use a hairdryer to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be only used as an option last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by replacing 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'll reduce 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 comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, double glazed windows repairs for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

This is a straightforward issue to fix, and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small opening in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be fixed. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues as soon as you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some instances, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is typically only temporary and will not prevent moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you aren't sure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window repair. and reduce the amount of repairs.