Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces, which should come away fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be used as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damages or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes, Double glazing the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window replacement airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause 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 right. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal 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 provide a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to fix this problem. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.

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

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window replacement near me, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.