Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair such as condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

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

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, grease the cutter with a light oil. 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 fall off quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It is typically caused by excessive levels of moisture within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses into droplets of water. These then collect in the corners and frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal may break down in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if not addressed promptly.

Hairdryers can be used for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should only be used only as the last option. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long, you may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During this process, they'll also check for damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down over time and create drafts between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You'll save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blow-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 been blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that can't be removed.

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

In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. This can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often fixed. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. Having everything in written form will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

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

It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you locate a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repairs; Check This Out, glazing repair. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what keep double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions 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, 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 appear visually altered. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. This can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice in the event you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.