Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might need repairs including condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken, 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 have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed relatively quickly.

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

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation is left for a long time it might be facing mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down over time and create drafts between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your claim.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing windows repairs glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, Double Glazed Windows Repairs age, and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, Double Glazed Windows Repairs it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.