double glazed window repairs near me Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be reused if they're in good condition.

The remaining frame must be prepared for the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal may break down over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

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

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, seal and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple problem to solve, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this is often solved. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your complaint.

In some instances, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust that they will provide you with a top 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 the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

When a upvc window repair near me seal breaks it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.