Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might need repairs including condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause water to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have 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 a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be used again if they're intact.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, handle which then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and 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 repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can become degraded over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should only be used as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or handle damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down over time and create drafts between your two panes. It's 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 out. You will reduce your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than trying to do it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small gap in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be fixed. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will help you prove your claim.

In some instances the upvc window repairs near me repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and handle how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog may return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.