15 Shocking Facts About Double Glazed Windows Repairs That You'd Never Been Educated About

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repairs including condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Most of these problems can be resolved.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew 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 optimum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, grease the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. 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 glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You can save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that can't be sucked out.

This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into 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 a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to correct this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems when you spot them. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will make it easier to prove your claim.

A  window repair  expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. Inputting your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.