Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repair such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a quick and inexpensive fix.

Broken Panes

When a window is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed relatively quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then condenses 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 frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if not addressed promptly.

Hairdryers can be used to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you may be experiencing mold or dampness in your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It may be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this can often be solved. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, man draughts, and leaks from happening.

You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems as soon as you notice them. You should notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. If there is a dispute, having everything in writing will help you prove your claim.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. It is recommended to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It's best to select a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of repairs.