10 Double Glazed Windows Repairs That Are Unexpected

Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, cheap fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if still in good condition.
The remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will break down in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.
As a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If the condensation has left for too long, you might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a more permanent solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it right. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.
A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is often possible to resolve this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Be sure to do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your case.
A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make a seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.
Remember that Resource should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. It is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of elements, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can cause the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. This method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can be re-created.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.