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. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to call in an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows as required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed immediately.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you might be facing dampness or even mould within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and cause drafts between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is composed of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small gap in the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazed window repairs near me glazing and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

You should contact the company through which you bought your windows and tell them of any problems when you spot them. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, window because it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some instances an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out 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. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, 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 the window and reduce the number of repairs.