double glazed window repairs Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. 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 fairly quickly.

Once the glass is 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 hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. This is usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the upvc window repairs. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used only as a last option. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, timber clear the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll check for damage, mould or timber mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and it will still give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

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

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your case.

A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. This is only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear disfigured. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog can be re-created.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you might face are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.