Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, window doctor or frames that are sagging. The majority of these issues can be solved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken Window doctor to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should be removed relatively quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long, you may be experiencing mould or dampness within your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep the 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 inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window doctor near me airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the 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 less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. It is often possible to fix this problem. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your case.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create a seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by many factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window doctor near me seal with a brand new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could return.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be certain that your investment will yield the best results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.