Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from a hardware store under 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. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It is typically caused by too many levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to contact an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should only be only used as the last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you could be looking at mold or Windows Repairs dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

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

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows repairs can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can often be solved. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and tell them of any issues when you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your complaint.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create the seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, Windows Repairs further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.