Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may need repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal will be damaged in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final option. If the condensation has been left for a long time you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or Window Repairs near me mould growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

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

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be solved. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some cases, a upvc window repairs repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common issue that can also make the upvc window repairs appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the Window Repairs Near Me frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.