Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs, from condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who can identify the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a leaky seal. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should be only used as the last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double glazed window repairs near me-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In some cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your 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 an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to fix this problem. Usually, this means creating a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In some instances an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. However, this is typically only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. It is best to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice in the event you're seeking the long-term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium upvc window repairs and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.