Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons your double-glazed windows may require repair including condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation, mould or mildew. This makes your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window repairs to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should be removed relatively quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if still intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will break down in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed promptly enough.

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should only be used as a final option. If the condensation is left for a long time you may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, service which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by professionals. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which cannot be removed.

This is a simple problem to solve and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain cases an expert could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. This can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. The good news is that it can be easily repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Be sure to do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your message. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

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

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been fully checked and vetted 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 for windows or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear disfigured. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.