Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

If your door repair or window is difficult to open, consider oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is a simple, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to remove any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break 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 hold the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frame of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded over time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only a short-term solution and should be used as the last resort. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long, you might be facing dampness or wooden even mould in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to eliminate any moisture. During this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals get worn out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that is not able to be removed.

This is a simple issue to repair and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is an economical alternative to replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to fix this problem. Normally, this involves creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your message. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

A window repair specialist may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create a seal. However, this is generally only a temporary solution and won't stop the moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek help from a professional when you aren't sure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are verified and wooden checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is essential to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to look visually distorted. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with the new one by an experienced glazier. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog could come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.