Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazing repair Walton-on-Thames-glazed windows may require repairs including condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

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

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed promptly.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated 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 result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing repair Stockport glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually distorted. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It's best to select a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.