Why Double Glazed Windows Repairs Is The Best Choice For You? Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and 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 prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape any glazing compound that is old from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by too much moisture 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 to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign 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 could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if not addressed promptly.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be used only as a last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be dealt with by an expert.


For a more long-term solution you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll also look for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to fix, and windows can be swiftly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows by drilling a small hole in the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In some instances, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. If the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.