Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and window repair mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good shape.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to determine the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed quickly.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as a last option. If the condensation has been left for too long it might be facing mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You can save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, window repair such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into position and this is normally quicker than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can often be fixed. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems immediately you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will help you prove your complaint.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazed window repairs glazing repair. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's important to know what the signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window repairs frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

A glazier may 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 in the event you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective 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 extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.