Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repairs such as condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and Misted mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long, you could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window 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. During the process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and create drafts 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 out. You will reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it properly. 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 tip which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain situations an expert might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing repair Hitchin-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can often be fixed. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and let them know of any issues when you spot them. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that 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 fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. 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 professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, so the fog could return.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice in the event you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems 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 get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.