Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or replaced frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door repair when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and affordable fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still intact.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double glazing repairs-glazed window can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than trying to do it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small gap 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 air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is usually possible to resolve this issue. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your case.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually disoriented. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method is not foolproof, and replaced it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option in the event you're looking for the long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.