Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. The majority of these issues are fixable.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your window or door when it is difficult to open. This is a quick and affordable fix.

Broken Panes

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

First, you'll need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight 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 pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by excessive moisture levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners and frame of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair doors or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may break down over time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if not addressed promptly.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final alternative. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long it could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double glazing repairs-glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that this can be easily fixed. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and inform them of any problems as soon as you spot them. You should notify the company in writing and Windows Repairs ask for confirmation that they received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form a seal. However, this is usually only a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. It is best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. By entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade will help you find a local tradesperson that offers double repair of your glazing. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to look visually disoriented. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air-pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair window. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be sure that your investment will provide the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.