15 Inspiring Facts About Double Glazed Windows Repairs That You Never Knew

Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. window repairs near me should be removed relatively quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. 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 intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still present you should contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to know that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should be used as the last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.
As a long-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 eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damages, mildew or mould growth and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.
Draughts
Rubber seals can get worn out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will reduce your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.
In some cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.
Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems when you notice them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will help you prove your complaint.
A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and create the seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not prevent moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek 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. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.
If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could return.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option in the event you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most value from your investment. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.