Double Glazed Windows Repairs

double glazing Caterham glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, inexpensive fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Once the glass is removed, blown scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets 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 could be re-used if they're still intact.

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. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It is typically caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be only used as the last resort. If the condensation has left for a long time you might be facing dampness or even mould 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 take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also inspect for any damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple issue to fix, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will give you an effective protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to fix this problem. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your claim.

A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. It is recommended to seek help from a professional 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 tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear disfigured. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the best results. You can also avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of your window repairs Caterham and reduce the need for repairs.