Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, water can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be reused if they're in good condition.

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. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double glazed window repairs near me-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass 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 the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if not addressed promptly.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should be only used as a last option. If the condensation has been left for too long it may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out over time and cause drafts between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form 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 can't be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than trying to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to fix this problem. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will help you prove your complaint.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, 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 is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're seeking the long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the best results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.