Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repair such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is 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 keep the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can be damaged over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and double glazing Repairs near me energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out in time and create drafts between your two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. 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, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements, and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it is often solved. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the 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 the windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your case.

In some cases, a window repair near me repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and won't stop the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog can be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good option if you're looking for a long term solution. It's best to select a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.