Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation has been left for Misted a long time you could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by broken or Misted cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your complaint.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and won't stop the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide 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, such as the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can also make the upvc window repairs appear distorted. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of repairs.