Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may need repairs, from condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be solved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need 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 using 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 prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any indication 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 reused if they're intact.

The remaining frame must be prepared for reflazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. This is usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.

It's also important to know that condensation on double glazing near me-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation has left for too long, you could be looking at mold or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll 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 functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down over time and create a draft between your two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets which will result in 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 blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

This is a straightforward issue to repair and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. This can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be fixed. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there are any disputes, having everything in writing will help you prove your case.

In some cases an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-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 the weather, age, and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog can come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and window repair following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.