Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

When a Window doctor is broken it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall off fairly 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 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 points may be reused if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation has been left for a long time you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also look for any damages or growth of mould, mildew or mildew, and perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and window doctor it will still offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it is often solved. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some cases, a window doctor near me repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make a new seal. This is only temporary and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is important to be aware of the signs and the best way to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. 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 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 frame of the window to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.