Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and optimum energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should fall off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the 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 could be reused if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

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

Hairdryers can be used to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, double glazed window repairs near me such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals 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 generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to fix this problem. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and tell them of any problems immediately you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create a seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double glazed window Repairs near me repair of your glazing. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to fix them.

When a upvc window repair seal fails it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.

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 if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.