Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

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

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window doctor near me can 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 fog up and eventually develop mold if not addressed immediately.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by an expert.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced 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 solved. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the Window Doctor appear distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.