10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure that you get the correct seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces, which should come off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed sash windows repair could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.

A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, Double Glazed Windows Repairs clear the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out over time and Double Glazed Windows Repairs cause drafts between the two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can often be repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

As soon as you notice 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 notification. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.

A window repair professional might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, so the fog may be re-created.

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 can be a good choice if you're seeking the long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.