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Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try to lubricate the hinges, Window Repair handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter with an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It is typically caused by excessive levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to get an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can break down in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps 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 an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out in time and create drafts between the two panes. This is often a simple 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 colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

This is a simple problem to solve, and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the proper tools. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals into position and is generally faster than trying to do it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain situations, a professional might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to resolve this issue. Typically, this is done by creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your case.

In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople are 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. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing, so it's important to know what the signs are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to look visually altered. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged upvc window repair seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.