Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your window or door repair in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged 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 a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should come off quite 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 metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's typically caused by too much 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. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to call in an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows as needed.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a leaky seal. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last alternative. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long, you could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During this process, they'll look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use 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 seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small hole in the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. It can be caused by a damaged seal, or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

Contact the company from whom you bought your windows and inform them of any issues immediately you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your notification. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more permanent damage. It is always best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal is damaged, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are removed from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window repairs seal with a new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and does not replace inert gasses, so the fog could be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternately, cheaper you can attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.