Why Is It So Useful During COVID-19
Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Most of these problems are fixable.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your upvc window repairs near me or door when it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and they should fall away fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.
You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to know that condensation on windows with Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if not addressed immediately.
You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used as an option last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and 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 allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.
This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
Contact the company through which you bought your windows and tell them of any issues immediately you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your case.
In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually altered. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.
A damaged upvc window repair seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog can come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will provide the best results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.