Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes also damaged, moisture could be leaking between them, causing condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This can make your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.

The first step is to remove any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and 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 made of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty, such as a Glazier's compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, these should be replaced as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation persists, you should call a professional who can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

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

You can use a hairdryer as a quick solution to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should only be used as a last alternative. If the condensation is left for a long time it may be experiencing mould or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also check for any signs of damage or growth of mildew, mould or mildew, and perform an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign the seals inside the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and it is usually faster than trying to do it manually. These tools also have a pointed end which is useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In some cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It can be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass or a problem with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

As soon as you notice any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.

In some instances, a window repair specialist may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from returning. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson who offers double repair of your glazing. All of our traders are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

upvc window repairs seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. Many factors can cause them to break, such as the weather, age, and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a common problem, and can cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, further decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This can be expensive and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog may be re-created.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective solution and could be a good option in the event you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the maintenance instructions given by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.