Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

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

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and they should fall away quickly.

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

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound 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. Finally, install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. This is usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. In this process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window doctor and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can often be fixed. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some instances, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the upvc window repairs and decrease the number of repairs.