Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulating properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins also broken it can cause water to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, grease the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old 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 should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're intact.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound along the inside edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Let it dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as needed.

Condensation in 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 may become degraded in time, glazier allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually develop mold if it is not addressed promptly.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should be used as the last resort. If the condensation is left for too long, you could be looking at dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During this process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy and airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then 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 cannot be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that this can be easily fixed. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.

If you discover any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair near me repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form the seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is best to seek professional help if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, further decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option in the event you're seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest sure that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.