Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. The majority of these issues can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home, 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 prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window replacement to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has left for too long, you might be facing dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. In this process, they'll also examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby 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 consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than doing it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can be easily repaired. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

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

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form the seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing Upvc Repair (Ivimall.Com) by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually altered. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by a professional glazier. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.