Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should be removed quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier’s points and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there’s evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier’s gilder’s points can be used again if they’re in good condition.

You’ll then need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier’s compounds that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It’s usually caused by excessive moisture in the house 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 avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who can identify the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

It’s also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if not addressed promptly.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation is left for too long, you may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They’ll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In this process, they’ll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It’s a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows’ by drilling a small hole into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this can often be repaired. Normally, Double glazing this involves creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

You should contact the company through which you bought your windows and let them know of any issues as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some instances the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is only temporary and won’t stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it’s crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can make the window replacement near me appear to be distorted. When the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and doesn’t replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.

A glazier is also able to 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 when you’re looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you might face are covered. This means that you can be sure that you’ll get most out of your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.