Taylor Bolivar

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazing window repair-glazed windows may require repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, affordable fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can be damaged in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should only be used only as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll also inspect for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple problem to repair, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems immediately you spot them. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your claim.

In some instances the repairing window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers repairing double glazing repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to be aware of the signs and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear disfigured. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.