Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. This is usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by an expert.

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

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing 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 gap into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can often be solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems when you notice them. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will help you prove your complaint.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself to 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 long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double repair of your glazing. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium upvc window repairs and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.