Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double glazed windows might require repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues are fixable.

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are also broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy-efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and optimum energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the fragments. They should fall off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier's gilder's points can be reused if they're intact.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for re-glazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a Glazier's compound in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues 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, which turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur you should contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can become degraded in time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.

A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be handled by an expert.

Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a more permanent solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any remaining moisture. In the process, they'll check for damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may wear down in time and create a draft between your two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will allow warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Double glazing that is misted could be a sign of blow-blown seals. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, such as argon to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The professional will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools have an edge that can be used to push seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent problem that many people experience. It can be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can often be solved. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.

In some cases the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and will not prevent the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to do so. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade will allow you to find an expert in your area who can provide double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals on windows or gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.

If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. It's a common problem, and it can also cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas is lost from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A broken window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with an entirely new one by a professional glazier. However, this is costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. 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 doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog can 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 can be a good choice when you're seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to select a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. You can be assured that your investment will yield the best results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of the window and cut down the number of upvc repairs.