Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. The majority of these issues can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap 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 muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter with a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for Window repairs near Me double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed Window Repairs Near Me can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed immediately.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation has left for too long you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may get worn out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. 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 that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight upvc window repair near me. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

In some cases, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and tell them of any problems as soon as you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your case.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and create the seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not prevent the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice when you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of repairs.