Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be solved.

If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is a quick, cheap fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments, which should come away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to get an expert to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows as required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out in time and create drafts between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep the 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 in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and windows can be replaced quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. This can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your case.

A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows to eliminate moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. It is recommended to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window repair to look visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog may be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice in the event you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. But, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.