Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could need repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.
Broken Panes
If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be used again if they're intact.
The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting 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, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to contact an expert to determine the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when needed.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if not addressed immediately.
As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has left for a long time it might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.
Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass 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 is blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.
This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is usually possible to fix this problem. Usually, this means creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.
You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any issues as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create the seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and won't stop the moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers 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 certain that they will provide high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing. It's important to know 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, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually altered. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and may not completely double glazing repair near me solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog may be re-applied.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically 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 covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of repairs.