10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs That Are Unexpected

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should come off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if still intact.

The remaining frame will need to be prepared for reflazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. This is usually caused by excessive levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal may be damaged over time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

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

For a more long-term solution you can have your double glazed window repairs near Me-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any problems as soon as 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 disputes being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your complaint.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to do so. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to repair them.

If a upvc window repairs seal is damaged, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window repairs, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog may return.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and is a great option in the event you're looking for the long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.