Therese Volz

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a simple, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window repairs should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken upvc window repair near me, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the upvc window repairs is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for reflazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses 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 and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows as necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal may be damaged in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should be used only as the last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down over time and create drafts between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window repair near me and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that this is often repaired. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any issues as soon as you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and form a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window repair near me and cut down the amount of repairs.