Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair, from condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a simple, Fitting inexpensive fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, double glazing or mould. This can make your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, double glazing these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will break down in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed quickly.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only an interim solution and should be used as the last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be handled by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out over time and cause drafts between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll reduce your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

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 professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can often be solved. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by many elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.

When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by replacing it with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option when you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of your window and decrease the need for repairs.