Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick, affordable 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 are also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It is typically caused by excessive levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. 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.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window replacement to become cloudy and then develop mold if it's not addressed quickly.

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

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed 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 bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this is often solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In certain situations the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have 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 high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.