Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window repairs to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess 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 clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing 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 can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

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

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart 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 once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this is often repaired. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

If you spot 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. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

In certain situations the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to do so. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to many elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will produce the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.