Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs, from condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. The majority of these issues can be solved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is 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. This is usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window replacement is a sign the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used only as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and 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 designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In some cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window doctor and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that it can be easily repaired. Typically, this is done by making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems immediately you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your claim.

In some cases, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. 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 tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the inert gasses, which means that the fog could return.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option in the event you're seeking the long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the number of repairs.