Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. The majority of these issues are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as a Glazier's compound in cartridge. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, Window Repair and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long it could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

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

Double glazing that has mist may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a simple issue to fix, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the right tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this is often fixed. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. 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 inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is best to seek out professional assistance in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

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

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and window repair it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window repair near me, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clean. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window repairs near me and minimize the need for repairs.