Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the window replacement near me 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, Window replacement near me lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows as needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This 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 affected piece of glass, clear the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You'll reduce your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of blown seals. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple issue to repair, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations an expert could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. This can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that this is often repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazing repair glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog may return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the most effective results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.