Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repairs such as condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. The majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window repairs near me to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help 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 quite quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

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

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last option. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long, you might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing system for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, repairs or even a broken seal. It is possible to fix this problem. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and tell them of any problems when you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your case.

A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option when you're looking for the long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.