Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could require repairs, from condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. 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 simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause water to leak between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire an expert repair a damaged window in order to get the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to remove the broken glass. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's 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 fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the frame's recess once the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane 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're still in good shape.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could cause the window to get smudged and eventually develop mold if not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be dealt with by an expert.

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

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist could be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the proper tools. The professional will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases, a professional could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. It is often possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means creating a new seal between two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your case.

A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and make an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are thoroughly vetted and checked 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. They are susceptible to damage due to various elements, including age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to fix them.

When a window seal fails humid air can leak between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a frequent issue that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are emitted from the window, thereby reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when glass repairs it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This means that you can be sure that you'll get most out of your investment. You can also try to get rid of the issue by choosing a high-quality product and following the care instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.