Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows could need repairs, from condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to escape between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged 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 beneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. 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 constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows if required.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

You can use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your upvc windows repairs near me are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down in time and create drafts between your two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by a 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 it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases an expert could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily fixed. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your upvc windows repairs. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make a seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double glazing repairs near me glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and it can also cause the repairing window to look visually disoriented. Once the seal fails it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air-pump inside the window repairing frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option if you're seeking the long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.