10 Strategies To Build Your Double Glazed Windows Repairs Empire

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Many of these issues are fixable.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces, which should come off 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. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and companies utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your repairing double glazed windows-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out in time and create drafts 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 once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements and it will still provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can often be solved. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues as soon as you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and won't stop the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

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

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog may come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.