Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair double glazing windows including condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be solved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the 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 help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can be damaged in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should be only used as an option last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is often possible to fix this problem. Usually, this means making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In some cases, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Utilizing super glue or Double Glazed Windows Repairs any other kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. It is recommended to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, Double Glazed Windows Repairs so you can be sure they will provide a 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, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair double glazing windows them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is 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 with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will produce the best results. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.