Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.

If your window or door repair is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good condition.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and door repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded over 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, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should be used as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep 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 of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding a desiccant or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still give you an effective draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this is often fixed. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any problems immediately you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for door repair confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your case.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is typically only temporary and will not prevent the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace just the glass unit, 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 damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can also cause the window to appear visually disoriented. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will produce the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.