Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repairs such as condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for the re-glazing. Using 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 compounds that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Finally, install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double glazing repairs Cambridge-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or Double Glazing Harpenden across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as required.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will break down in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window repairs Cambridge and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

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 only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation has been left for too long it could be looking at mold or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and create drafts between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that this can be easily solved. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will help you prove your claim.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. 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 entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They can be damaged by many elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the number of repairs.