Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a simple solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and fit can create a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath 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. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off quite quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be used only as an option last resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down over time and create a draft between your two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid 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 of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it is often repaired. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows, [Redirect-Java] and inform them of any issues as soon as you notice them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will help you prove your complaint.

A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not stop the moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazing near me-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear distorted. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window repairs near me frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.