Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or upvc door repairs near me [made my day] when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and upvc door repairs near me may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to call in an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has been left for too long, you might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.

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

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have 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, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple issue to repair, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals into position and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing repairs near me glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to correct this issue. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and inform them of any issues when you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazing repairs near me glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to look visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't foolproof and does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog could be re-created.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.