Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This can make your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not dealt with promptly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be handled by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll also look for any signs of damage or growth of mould, mildew or mildew and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is usually a minor RepairMyWindowsAndDoors problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, saving you 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 consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical issue that many people face. It can be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your case.

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

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window repairs near me frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and could be a good option when you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will provide the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.