Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repairs including condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be fixed.

If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a simple temporary fix.

Broken Panes

If a Window doctor pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long, you could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out in time and create a draft between your two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler 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 consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your case.

A window replacement near me repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and create the seal. However, this is usually only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened and you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice when you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the most effective results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.