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Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Many of these issues can be solved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are damaged, moisture could get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the edges of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will help prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be used again if they're in good condition.

You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in wintertime. It's usually caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frames of the window. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if 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 break down over time and allow cool air to make its way between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.

As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last option. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by an expert.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the area to evaporate any moisture. In this process, they'll also examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth and carry out a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear out over time and create a draft between your two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and cooler air out. You will reduce your energy bill.

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

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix and windows can be replaced quickly by professionals who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it correctly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end which is useful for pushing seals into the corners.

In certain situations professionals could be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame or even a damaged seal. It is often possible to correct this issue. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

As soon as you notice 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 received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your claim.

A window repair professional may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make the seal. However, this is generally only a temporary fix and will not prevent the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

Remember that you should only try DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are adequate. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long term. It is always best to seek help from a professional in case you are unsure of what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened, so you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are secured by seals for windows or insulation gas. They can be damaged by various factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

When a window seal fails it allows moisture to get into the two glass panes, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and can cause the window to look visually distorted. If the seal is damaged the argon or any other inert gas will be removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.

A damaged window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a the new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and leave the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog may return.