Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repairs including condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

If a window replacement pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making 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.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off fairly quickly.

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

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal can become degraded over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If the condensation is left for too long you may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and double glazing colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bills.

Misted Double glazing (http://Luennemann.org) indicates that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two panes of glass 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 will create condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be solved. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you spot them. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form the seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is crucial 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 permanent damage. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's important to know what the symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window 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 new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for upvc repairs.