Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could need repairs including condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window repairs near me is wooden, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Reinstall 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 house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to call in an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows as required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window repairs near me, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be only used as a last resort. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you might be facing dampness or even mould within your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window repairs to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

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

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed 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 upvc window repair near me and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems when you notice them. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that 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. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering 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 high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They can be damaged by many factors, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog could come back.