Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could need repairs, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door repair when it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and may cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's facets and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur, you should call a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long, you might be facing dampness or even mould within your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they will also check for any damages or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and then perform a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will create 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 of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple problem to repair, and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the proper tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that it is often solved. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

You should contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any problems as soon as you spot them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your message. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from returning. It might also be possible to replace just the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. 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 fails humid air can get between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common issue that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and does not replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be certain that your investment will produce the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try 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 decrease the amount of repairs.