Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should come off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point 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 are still in good shape.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will be damaged in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and then develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.

As 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 an option last resort. If the condensation has left for too long you may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Be sure to do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not stop the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double repair for your window repair near me. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazing near me-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing. It's important to know what the signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method is not foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.