Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair such as condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a cheap solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window repair near me is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the upvc window repairs, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long you may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

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

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can cause a draught to form 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 in your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.

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

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create an airtight seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. It is also 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. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. It is best to seek out professional assistance when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or [empty] insulation gas. 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 is damaged it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window repairs near me to appear visually altered. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.