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. Thankfully, most of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments, which should come away quickly.

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

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty, such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames 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 continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The seals that are applied at the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and Windows Repair should only be used as a last alternative. If the condensation has been left for a long time you might be facing dampness or even mould 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 gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll also check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be quickly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The specialist will use a tool designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In some cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will offer a reliable draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. 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 repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems when you discover them. You should notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. Having everything in written form will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

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

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert local window repair to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

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

A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement Windows repair. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. This means that you can be assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.