Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Most of these problems can be solved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

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

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before starting, you should 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 fragments. They should come off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be used again if they're in good condition.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only an interim solution and should only be used as the last resort. If the condensation has left for a long time you may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. 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. During the process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. 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 that is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the upvc window repair near me and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to fix this problem. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not prevent the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

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

When a window repair near me seal breaks it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.