Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your upvc window repair or door if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy efficient. 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 take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

Hairdryers can be used to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final resort. If the condensation is left for a long time you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple issue to fix and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it manually. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is often possible to correct this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your claim.

In some instances, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not stop the moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the upvc window repairs near me appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may return.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.