Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass. This then condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair timber windows or replace the windows if required.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and wooden eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.

For a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they will also look for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. It's simple to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You'll save money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit is made up of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ tools designed to push the new seals into place and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This can be more cost-effective than replacements, and will give you an effective protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often solved. This typically involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

If you spot any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and will not prevent the moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are thoroughly vetted and checked which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by a variety of elements, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is important to be aware of the signs and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear disfigured. Once the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves putting an air pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will produce the best results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.