Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

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

Broken Panes

When a window is broken it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also damaged, moisture could leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing an inexpensive glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool with a light oil. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and they should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Dry it out before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially during winter. It's usually caused by too many levels of moisture in your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows when necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal may become degraded in time, allowing cool air to make its way between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

Hairdryers can be used as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only an interim solution and should be used only as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damage, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down in time and create drafts between your two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be solved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You will save money on your energy bill.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals in your 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 create an airtight window. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain cases an expert may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This can be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to fix this problem. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems when you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will help you prove your case.

In certain situations, a window repair specialist will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and how to repair them.

When a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the upvc window repairs, diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by an experienced glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass free of fog. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice when you're looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.