10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Most of these problems can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick and affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may break down in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final option. If the condensation has left for a long time you may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out over time and cause drafts between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.

This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

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

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have 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 in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by various elements, vn.easypanme.com including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and the best way to fix them.

When a window repairs seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the 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 usually the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're seeking the 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 certain that your investment will produce the best results. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.