Why Is Everyone Talking About Double Glazed Windows Repairs Right Now

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

double glazing repairs glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Many of these issues are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins also broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be reused if they're intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still present you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It's also important to note that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final option. If you allow the condensation to sit for local too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then 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 cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

If you spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. If there are any disputes the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your complaint.

In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not prevent the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened 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. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually altered. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and 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 the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the best results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.