Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs including condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. 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 at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal will be damaged over time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.

You can use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You will reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push 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 can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. 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 can be easily solved. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must 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 notice. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will help you prove your case.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not prevent moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out 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. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a upvc window repair seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice in the event you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. However, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.