Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Many of these issues are fixable.
If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick and cheap solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and
Window Repair metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still intact.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be removed as well. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or
window repair replace the windows if needed.
Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down over time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.
You can use a hairdryer to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final resort. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you may be experiencing mould or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. During this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted
double glazed window repairs near me glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a broken 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 prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.
As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your case.
In some cases the
window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace only 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. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep
double glazed window repairs glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. This method isn't foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered.