Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Most of these problems can be solved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a simple, affordable fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last option. If the condensation has been left for too long, you may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You can save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

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

In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and tell them of any problems when you discover them. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will help you prove your claim.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long run. It is recommended to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.

When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice in the event you're looking for a long-term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can try 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 repair near me and decrease the amount of repairs.