Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

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

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the fragments and they should fall away quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. 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're still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame will need to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Finally, put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. This is usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

As a quick fix for condensation, you can try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should only be only used as the last option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long it may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which should be dealt with by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

The rubber seals wear down over time and cause drafts between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a sturdy 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.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

This is a straightforward issue to repair and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is possible to fix this problem. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems immediately you spot them. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your message. Writing everything down will help later on should any disputes arise, because it is easier to prove that you actually complained.

A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows in order to eliminate moisture and form a seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass free of fog. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.

A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and can be a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It is recommended to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. This way, you can rest assured that you'll get the maximum value for your investment. Alternately, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and cut down the amount of repairs.