Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.

If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a quick, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture 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 that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window repair near me. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should only be used only as the last resort. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long it might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of blown seals. The unit is composed of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window repairs. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than trying to do it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

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

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your case.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is best to seek professional help if you are unsure 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. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by various elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. This can be costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clean. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog may be re-applied.

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 option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.