Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repairs including condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be reused if they're intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which then turns 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, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

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 let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.

Hairdryers can be used to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation has left for a long time you could be looking at mould or dampness in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that 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 break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole in 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 double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues when you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your case.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt 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 run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice in the event you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window Doctor and cut down the number of upvc repairs.