Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Thankfully, most 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, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, leading to 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 you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you start, grease the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Finally, install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and fix or window repair replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a leaky seal. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should only be used only as a last option. If the condensation has left for too long it may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple problem to solve, and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window repair, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It could be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to fix this problem. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and inform them of any issues immediately you discover them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you are unsure of what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually altered. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, Window Repair decreasing its insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good option if you're looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.