Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may need repairs such as condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

When a window is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken it can cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you begin, grease the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to loosen the pieces. They should be removed fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess of the frame. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any indication 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're still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are on the frame. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. It's usually caused by too much humidity in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to call in an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer will become degraded in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if it is not addressed quickly enough.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be only used as an option last option. If the condensation is left for too long, you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.

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

Draughts

As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets, and this will create a strong and airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You will reduce your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has blown it will allow water vapour to get into your space through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that cannot be wiped off.

This is a simple issue to solve and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double glazing and still provides you with an effective Draught-proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. This can be caused by cracked or broken glass or frame or even a damaged seal. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

If you discover any issues, you must contact the company that sold you your windows. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute being resolved, Repairmywindowsanddoors writing everything down will aid in proving your complaint.

In some instances an expert in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop the return of moisture. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and what to do to fix them.

When a window seal breaks it allows humidity to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further diminishing its insulating properties.

A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a the new one by a professional glazier. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture and make the glass free of fog. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog may be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, repairmywindowsanddoors a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good choice if you are looking for a long term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be assured that your investment will produce the most effective results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will extend the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.