Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. 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 usually a low-cost, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.

The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off relatively quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. 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 a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may be damaged in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a last alternative. If the condensation is left for too long you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They will remove the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll check for Repairer damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of the 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 gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, 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 that can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than trying to do it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazed window repairs near me glazing is a frequent problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is often possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make a seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek out professional assistance when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.