Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape 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. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or seals a conventional compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Finally, install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses 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 often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should be used as an option last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any signs of damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the 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 can save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it is often fixed. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In certain situations an expert in window repair will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and won't stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more harm in 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 on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, so the fog may come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the best results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your upvc window repairs near me and reduce the need for repairs.