Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

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

The first step is to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and they should fall away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good condition.

The remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's typically caused by excessive humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which forms 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 utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation is still a problem, it's important to contact a professional to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a failing seal. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long you may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll examine for any the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can break down and this can create a draught in space between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, contractor saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of blow-blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon for example, contractor to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. This can be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems when you notice them. You should inform the company in writing and demand confirmation that they received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to know the symptoms and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog can return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.