What Double Glazed Windows Repairs Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Double Glazed Windows Repairs
There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repairs, from condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is damaged, it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should fall off fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. 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 constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good shape.
The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, 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 composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.
Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than trying to do it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a reliable draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. It may be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this is often repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and let them know of any issues as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not prevent the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. window repair near me is best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust that they will provide you with a top 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, like weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog may be re-applied.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means you can be assured that you'll get the most out of your investment. You can also avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care guidelines given by the manufacturer. This will extend the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.