Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to get rid of any broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should come off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as glazier’s compound in cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double glazed windows repair-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor double Glazed Windows repair fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation persists you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and repair timber windows or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the factory applied vacuum seal can be damaged in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if it is not addressed quickly.

For a quick fix to condensation, try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final option. If the condensation has been left for too long it might be facing mold or dampness within your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll look for signs of damage, double glazed windows repair mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home, and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

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

This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be swiftly replaced by experts using the appropriate tools. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals into position and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. The tools also have a pointed tip which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In some cases, a professional may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often repaired. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your claim.

In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long term. It is best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix 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 can cause the window to appear visually altered. Once the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and is a great option in the event you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.