Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may require repairs including condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is damaged and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, window repair mildew and mould 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.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty, such as Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can be a problem for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses 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 improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window repair is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal can break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should only be only used as a last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They will remove the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the gap to dry out any moisture. During this process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can save money on your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the upvc window repair airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a straightforward issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ tools designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it manually. These tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In some cases an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can be easily repaired. Normally, this involves creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and let them know of any problems immediately you discover them. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

In certain situations the window repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. 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 tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked to ensure you are sure that they will offer a top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common issue that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clean. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm with a guarantee for Window repair replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the most value from your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.