Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs, from condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

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

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur, 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 double-glazed windows can be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can become degraded in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can be easily repaired. Normally, this involves creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and let them know of any issues when you notice them. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace only the glass, Double Glazed Windows Repairs which would make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

pvc window repairs seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.