5 Double Glazed Windows Repairs Lessons From The Professionals

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should fall off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and 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 lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

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

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

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It is a simple 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 bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a straightforward issue to repair and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It can be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can often be repaired. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you did complain.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. It is best to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode in here the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

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

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog may be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.