Five Double Glazed Windows Repairs Lessons From Professionals

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould 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 best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too many moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should only be used as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space 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. This will keep warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.

This is a simple issue to fix and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end which can be useful for window repair pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. This can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can often be repaired. Usually, this means creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems immediately you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will aid in proving your claim.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is only temporary and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. 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 have been thoroughly vetted and screened and you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain 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 free of fog. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.