Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might need repairs, from condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority 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 simple, affordable fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are broken, moisture can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed relatively quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll also check for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window repairs. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be fixed. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

As soon as you notice any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.

In some instances the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a common problem, and it can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may return.

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 option and is a good option if you're looking for window repair a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternatively, you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.