Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point 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 could be re-used if they're still intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be replaced as well. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on a double-glazed window can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed immediately.

You can use a hairdryer to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be used as an option last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During this process, they'll also look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear out in time and create drafts between your two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air out. You can reduce your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon to make the window repairs airtight. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

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

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can often be repaired. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and inform them of any issues immediately you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and demand Window Repair confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

In certain situations an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window repair frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.