Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still in good shape.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to get a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be used as a last option. If the condensation is left for too long you may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

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

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window glass repairs and then adding the desiccant 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

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it is often repaired. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make a seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is always best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing. It's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.

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