Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

If your door or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you begin, grease the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should be removed quite quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the upvc window repairs. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will be damaged in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.

Hairdryers can be used to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation is left for too long, you may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

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

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to resolve this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

Contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for click homepage windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the best results. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.