Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may need repairs, from condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a upvc window repairs near me pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be reused if they're in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining 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 compounds that is contained in a cartridge or Double Glazed window repairs near me a conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should be used as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight upvc window repair. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

This is a simple problem to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazed window repairs near me glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. It is often possible to resolve this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any issues immediately you discover them. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In some instances the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It may also be possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.