15 Startling Facts About Double Glazed Windows Repairs You Didn't Know 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. The majority of these issues can be solved.

If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should fall off fairly 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 expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.


As a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be only used as the last resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, 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, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it is often solved. Normally, double glazing repair New Addington involves making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and tell them of any issues as soon as you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make a seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by a variety of elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is best to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.