Double Glazed Windows Repairs Tools To Make Your Everyday Life

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repair including condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments, which should come away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down over time and create drafts between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It may be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice 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 have received your message. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In certain situations the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and won't stop the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure it is watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're 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 protected. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.

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Pub: 04 Feb 2024 16:59 UTC
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