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Ten Things Everybody Is Uncertain About Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off quite quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in winter months. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then turns 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 to reduce moisture levels. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at 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 it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a last alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges


Many people have had 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. It is often possible to correct this issue. window repairs involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any issues as soon as you spot them. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create an airtight seal. This is only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson who offers double repair for your window. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be certain that they will provide high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by various factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. It's a frequent 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, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you might face are covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.

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