Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sliding. The majority of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanisms of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, affordable solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mold and mildew 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 most effective seal and energy efficiency.

In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken repairing glass off. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

After the glass has been removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess area 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 should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can avoid this by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue and repair or replace your windows if necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will break down in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if not addressed quickly.

Hairdryers can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. This is a temporary solution and should be used only as a last alternative. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by a professional.

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

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down in time and create drafts between the two panes. It is simple to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end which is useful 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 adding a desiccant or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have had misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this is often fixed. Typically, this is done by creating an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from happening.

Contact the company from which you bought your windows and tell them of any problems as soon as you notice them. Be sure to do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notice. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In some cases the window repairman near me repair expert may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix that will not stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are adequate. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more permanent damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing doors repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked and you can be sure that they will offer a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. Many factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age 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 fails humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A broken window seal can be fixed by replacing it with a a new one by a professional glazier. However, this could be costly and might not resolve the fog issue completely. Certain companies offer defogging solutions, which involve placing the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may be re-applied.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're seeking the long-term solution. But, it's best to choose a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means that you can be at ease knowing that you'll get most value from your investment. You can also try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for doors repairs.