How to Repair Double Glazing Windows

You may experience problems with your double glazing's handles gaskets, hinges and handles. You can often solve these issues without having to replace the entire window, saving time and money.

A common issue is the accumulation of condensation in the gap between the two panes of glass. This usually indicates that the window is defective and requires attention.

1. Broken Panes

A broken double pane glass could expose your home to the elements. It is not always necessary to have the entire sash of the window to be replaced to solve this issue. In fact, double pane windows are usually able to be repaired with the use of a special adhesive that is put inside the cracks to prevent them from worsening.

This short-term option is used to prevent superficial fractures (such stress cracks) which can develop when temperature changes cause the glass to expand and shrink. If your glass has broken it may be necessary to take it off and replace the entire window.

The seals between the two panes can break or be damaged, causing misting and condensation on windows. These problems are typically caused by water that is trapped between the glass panes, or it is absorbed into the wall through the window frame. No matter the source, moisture is bad news for double-glazed windows because it can lead to water damage and mold growth and can be expensive to treat.

You can try to control the problem by wiping down your double-glazed windows with cold, lukewarm water. This will help temporarily resolve the problem especially when the weather is hot and humid. You can also employ the help of a dehumidifier in cooling the room with your double-glazed windows. This is especially helpful in the summer months.

If the problem persists an expert in double glazing will visit your home and clean the space between the panes of glass. They can also employ an instrument to draw lines of scoring around the outside of your windows where you can cut the glass using a glass cutter (inexpensive ones can be found in hardware stores). Once you have finished, you should remove all glazing points and putty from the frame of your window opening. This is best done with the sash still in place, however it can be easier to work on a flat surface like a table.

2. Seals

The window seal is an essential component in double glazing and plays a vital part in keeping your home efficient as well as draught-free and safe. The seal is located on the inside of uPVC frames and forms an airtight seal inside the space between the two panes of glass. The seals are a vital component of double glazing's insulating effect. If they fail or have problems they will reduce the insulation.

If your seals aren't doing their job, the result is condensation between the panes. This isn't just unsightly however, it could also lead to dampness and mould in the home. It can cause damage to floors, furniture, walls and cause serious health problems for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

The good news is that most double glazing companies will provide the option of repairing windows without having to replace the entire unit. This is not just cheaper, but also quicker and more eco-friendly. In the meantime, there are a few DIY options, like caulking to stop leaks and moisture penetration or lengths of self-adhesive rubber seals which can be applied directly to the junction between the window sash and frame.

In the majority of cases, the simplest and handle most effective method to deal with damaged window seals is to contact a professional. They can replace the window seal, and also prevent moisture and air from entering your home, which can cause costly damage.

Check the warranty period on your double glazing. It's usually between 10 and 20 years. This can save you money in the event that seals have failed and the windows have to be replaced. Some installers drill holes into the misty double glazing to eliminate the moisture and create an entirely new seal. This will prevent it from misting again in the future. This is a temporary fix, and a plug needs to be inserted to keep the hole closed.

3. Locking Mechanisms

Double glazed windows use gaps of air between glass panes to protect against the fluctuating temperatures outside and to help keep heat inside the house. This kind of window could also be described as an insulated unit (IGU). They can provide you with an impressive energy efficiency, which can lower your heating bills. However, they aren't indestructible and some problems may occur that require double glazing repairs.

Luckily, most of them are easy to fix and are much less expensive than replacing the entire window. It is best to contact a specialist firm that provides repair services for double glazing, so that you can be sure that the door repair is completed correctly and with minimal hassle. Most of these companies will offer no-cost quotes to allow you to compare costs and the quality of their work.

It is important to check the warranty included with your double glazed window and, in most cases, pay for repairs. This is a standard feature of double glazing and typically lasts for 10 to 20 years, however some companies offer lifetime guarantees.

The seal may have blown out if you are unable to open your double-glazed window, or if you notice there appears to be a misty area between the panes. This could occur if the frame of the window moves in a slight manner, or when the packing that holds the glass sheets in place deteriorates with time.

You can fix double-glazed windows yourself, but it's usually simpler to employ a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself, then always follow the instructions of the manufacturer and make use of the appropriate tools for the job. It is important to keep in the mind that if you attempt to remove the glass by yourself, you'll lose any guarantee that you might have and could end up paying a higher cost than if you simply called the company from which you purchased the windows.

After removing the broken glass and replacing it with plastic spacers. This will ensure that the new glass is compatible with the frame. You can also add any uPVC beads you require. You can then fit an additional gasket and seal the window.

4. Weatherproofing

If your double glazing windows are difficult to open or are sagging there are methods of fixing them. For example, you can try oiling the hinges, mechanisms or handles to see if this helps. Another thing that you can try is to replace the gaskets, which will improve the performance of your windows and prevent them from letting in draughts or cold air. They can be found at a hardware store or online. They are simple to install. You can ask for help from a professional if want to do it yourself.

Condensation between windows is another issue that can be fixed easily. It usually happens due to an unsound seal, which will allow moisture to get into the space between the glass panes. This could cause the glass to cloud up, which can be ugly and ineffective.

One solution is to replace the gaskets, which can be accomplished at home by anyone with a little DIY experience. It is crucial to ensure that you use a gasket sealer, that will give a solid seal and help to reduce energy bills. Alternatively, you can use a calk for filling any cracks in your windows and give them that extra boost in their weatherproofing.

Another issue with double glazed windows is that the seals fail. This can be caused by paint being applied to the windows, home renovation work or even just general wear and tear. If you discover that your double-glazed windows have started to fog, it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can.

Double-glazed windows are an excellent addition to your home, providing you with windows that are energy efficient and safe that will keep the weather out and the heat in. There are times when it is better to replace your double glazed windows instead of repairing them. This could be the case with frames that are damaged or broken, or panes that are not suitable for double glazing.