Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Most of these problems can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. 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 can be reused if they're in good condition.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which then condenses 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 and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows when required.

It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long, you might be facing mold or dampness in your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You'll reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will give you an effective draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can often be fixed. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.

A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and create a seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear upvc door repair near me distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may be re-created.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good 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 protected. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.