Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair, from condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a upvc window repairs is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause moisture to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth under the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still intact.

The remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. With 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 that is contained in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which then condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to get an expert to determine the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign 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 cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed promptly.

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 option. If the condensation has allowed to sit for window repair too long, you could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You can save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by a 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 the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than doing it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements and will offer a reliable draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. This can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and tell them of any issues as soon as you discover them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.