How A Weekly Double Glazed Windows Repairs Project Can Change Your Life

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may need repairs such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a simple, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing 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 a perfect seal and optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It is typically caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may be damaged over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final alternative. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long it may be experiencing dampness or even mould in your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

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

This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be swiftly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

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

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disputes the fact that everything is written will help you prove your claim.

In certain situations the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

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

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually altered. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken upvc window repair seal can be repaired by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog may be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.