Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. The majority of these issues can be solved.

If your window or door repair is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting 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 stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience, install especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and settles 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 utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation is left for a long time you could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You will reduce your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than attempting to do it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can be easily solved. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disputes, 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 moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. They can be damaged by various factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window repairs near me seal with a new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and install clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.