10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About The Word "Double Gla…

Double Glazed Windows upvc repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the 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 a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

A hairdryer can be used to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During this process, they'll also look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This can 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. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues immediately you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create a seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method 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 protected. You can be certain that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.