8 Tips To Up Your Double Glazed Windows Repairs Game

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a Window Doctor pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mould and mildew 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'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments, which should come away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided 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 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 due to the factory applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out over time and create drafts between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple issue to repair, and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than trying to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this is often solved. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company from which you purchased your windows, and tell them of any issues as soon as you spot them. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your complaint.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing upvc repairs near me 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 quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. They can be damaged by various factors, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and the best way to repair them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the best results. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.