Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair including condensation between panes to drop or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is usually a simple solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and they should fall away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during the winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening windows more frequently and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows if needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. The seals that are applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last option. If the condensation has been left for a long time it may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to repair, and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window doctor and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any issues as soon as you discover them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disputes the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your claim.

A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not prevent the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window replacement near me and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the Window Replacement Near Me and cut down the number of repairs.