Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, inexpensive fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

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

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double glazed window repairs-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and seal collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.

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

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. In the process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily repaired. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

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

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually altered. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method is not foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.