Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. The majority of these issues can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick and affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. 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 points can be reused if still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It is typically caused by high moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded over time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and repairmywindowsanddoors eventually develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.

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

Professionals can seal your double glazing repairs Sittingbourne-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In this process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, Repairmywindowsanddoors this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than doing it manually. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and it will still give you an effective protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can be easily repaired. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.

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

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It may also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek out professional assistance in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.