Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good condition.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared for reflazing. 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 in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting 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 can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and window repair Eltham utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present, you should call a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the Window repair Eltham and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

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

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. It is often possible to fix this problem. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems immediately you notice them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disputes the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your complaint.

A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create a seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window repairs Brentwood to appear visually distorted. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.