Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repair including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be solved.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window repair Caterham is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if still intact.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. 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 a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing 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 will save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

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

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure 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 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. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually altered. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.