Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulating properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less energy efficient. It is best to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. Before you start, grease the cutter with an oil that is light. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off quite quickly.

Once the glass is removed, wooden scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden, the glazier's points can be used again if they're intact.

You'll need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. With a caulking gun apply a continuous strip of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound sold in a can. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face particularly in winter months. It is typically caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on windows with double glazing can be an indication of a failing seal. The seal that is applied by the factory may wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.

A hairdryer can be used for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only an interim solution and should only be only used as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be handled by a professional.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed emergency window repair for a better, wooden more durable solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe in hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they will also check for any signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught proofing treatment to ensure that your windows are functional and energy efficient.

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is often a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets, and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and cooler air outside. You can reduce your energy bill.

Double glazing that is misted could be an indication of blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are 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 the water vapour will get into your home through the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The specialist will use tools designed to push the new seals into position and this is normally quicker than attempting to do it manually. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small hole into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will give you an effective protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. The good thing is that this is often fixed. Usually, this means creating an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

If you spot any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your notification. Having everything in written form will be helpful later if any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In some instances an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and won't stop the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long run. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-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 age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's important to know what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged humid air can get between the two panes of glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the upvc window repairs, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. However, this can be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However this method isn't 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, so the fog could be re-applied.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective solution and can be a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most out of your investment. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.