Five Double Glazed Windows Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Start 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 at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which 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 often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window doctor near me is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.

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

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also check for any damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

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 typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert could 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 give you an effective draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that it is often repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

In some cases an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't 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 only if your skills and experience are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long run. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by various factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear distorted. When 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. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog could be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option if you're seeking the long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window replacement near me and decrease the number of repairs.