Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double glazed windows might require repairs including condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Most of these problems are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making 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.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath 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 worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be removed as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will be damaged over time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should only be used as the last option. If the condensation has left for a long time it could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals may get worn out over time and create drafts between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You will save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted may be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful to push the seals into the corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is usually possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

If you spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.

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

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. It is best to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear disfigured. When the seal fails the argon or any 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 resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clean. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may come back.

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 solution and is a great choice if you are seeking a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.