Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair timber windows for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and cutting 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 light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that keep the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows as required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up 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. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into 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 air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. It is possible to fix this problem. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and inform them of any issues as soon as you spot them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your case.

In some cases, a window repair door specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what keep double glazing window repair glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to appear visually distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it 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 frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting an item of high-quality and following the care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.