Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs, from condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This can make 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.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier’s compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners and frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if needed.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed immediately.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should be only used as an option last resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it by hand. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

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

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that it can often be solved. This usually involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems as soon as you discover them. Be sure to do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and make the seal. This is only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It might also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and the best way to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window doctor appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the number of repairs.