Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

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

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good shape.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used only as the last option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long, you may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and Window repair cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is 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 outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing windows repair glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a simple problem to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It may be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and window repair leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some instances an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. It is always best to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is 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 a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.