8 Tips To Increase Your Double Glazed Windows Repairs Game

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair such as condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to 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

If a window doctor near me (site) pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty, such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal may become degraded over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should be only used as a last resort. If the condensation is left for a long time it might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also check for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You'll reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been 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 quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your claim.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is typically only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the upvc window repairs appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. However, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.