Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. The majority of these issues are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

When a window is broken it loses its insulation and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared for reflazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry prior to inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as needed.

Condensation on a repairing double glazed windows-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and misted eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be only used as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out over time and cause drafts between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

In certain cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. It is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

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

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

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

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option if you're seeking the long-term solution. It is best to choose an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the best results. Alternately, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.