Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a simple, affordable fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and optimum energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity 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 prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and Window Doctor utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, window doctor and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If the condensation is left for a long time it could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You will reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window doctor near me. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a simple problem to repair, and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows by drilling a small hole in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems as soon as you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your complaint.

A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not prevent the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. It is always best to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window Doctor seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.