Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might need repairs such as condensation between panes, to dropping or sagging frames. The majority of these issues are fixable.

If your door or window is difficult to open, try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a low-cost solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause water to escape between 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 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. Before starting, you should lubricate the cutter with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments, which should come away fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these clips 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 will need to be prepared to allow re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's usually caused by too many moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in a professional to get to the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should be used only as an option last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear out 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 once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You will save money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that 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 form an airtight window. If the seal has blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small gap into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good news is that this can be easily repaired. Typically, this is done by creating a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any issues immediately you discover them. Make sure to put this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will aid in proving your claim.

A window repair professional could drill a hole between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and create the seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop the return of moisture. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are secured by window repairs seals or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to appear visually altered. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. However, this is expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass clear. This method isn't 100% reliable and does not replace the inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're looking for the long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternately, you can attempt to avoid this issue by selecting a window of high-quality and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.