Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. The majority of these issues are fixable.

If your window doctor or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces, which should come away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it's not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They will remove the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the right tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases an expert might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases, a Window Replacement Near Me repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. It is best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window doctor near me and cut down the number of repairs.