Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and 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'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop 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 they should fall away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final option. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is 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 straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing system for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can be easily repaired. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and won't stop the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double repair for your window. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double Glazing Redbridge-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window repair Hitchin frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog could be re-created.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.