Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and window Doctor energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should fall off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if not addressed quickly.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last alternative. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

For a more long-term solution you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During this process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out over time and cause 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 will save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like 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, which will cause condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing 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 hole into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and it will still give you an effective protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is possible to correct this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues as soon as you discover them. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your message. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.

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

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double repair for your window doctor. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the Window Doctor to appear visually disoriented. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window doctor near me seal can be repaired by replacing it with a a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.