How Can A Weekly Double Glazed Windows Repairs Project Can Change Your…

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and they should fall away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if required.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used 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 a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window doctor. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the right tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems immediately you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form a seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method is not foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond upvc repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. You can also try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.