How To Know If You're Prepared To Go After Double Glazed Windows …

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may need repairs including condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to get a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or Window Repair replace your windows when necessary.

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

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be used only as the last resort. If you let the condensation sit for window repair too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double glazed window repairs-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You will reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It could be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues immediately you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some instances, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is always best to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window repair near me frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you may have are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.