Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and they should fall away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, repairs scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good shape.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow reflazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by excessive moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which condenses 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 frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's best to contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal can become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and then develop mold if not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should only be used as the last option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at mold or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. During this process, they'll also look for signs of the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may get worn out over time and create drafts between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has blown the water vapour will get into your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations, a professional could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then putting in an adsorbent material or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that this can often be fixed. Usually, this means creating an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems when you spot them. Make sure you do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Writing everything down will be helpful later if any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair specialist could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and form a seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not stop the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace the glass part, which will make it 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 damage over the long term. It is best to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear to be distorted. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace inert gasses, so the fog can come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice if you're seeking an option that lasts for a long time. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be certain that your investment will yield the most effective results. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the number of repairs.