Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons including condensation between the panes, draughts or sagging frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.

Try to lubricate the hinges, handles and mechanism of your window or door in case it is hard to open. This is a quick, inexpensive solution.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is damaged, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by a professional to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame after the glass has been removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass window repair in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still in good condition.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows repairs can experience particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if required.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory can wear out over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can lead to fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.

You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to get rid of excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be only used as a last option. If the condensation is left for too long, you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which must be addressed by a professional.

For a more long-term solution you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap and pipe in hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also inspect for any damages or growth of mildew, mould or mildew and apply an air draughtproofing treatment to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can fall apart and create a draught in the space between the two panes. It's an easy fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air inside your home and colder air outside. You will save money on 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 a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, causing condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals who have all the right tools and know how to do it correctly. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations professionals may be able to 'reseal' your upvc windows repairs by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in a special desiccant material or putty. This is a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will offer a reliable protection against draughts for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people experience. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or an issue with the mechanism or frame. It is possible to resolve this issue. Typically, this is done by making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from which you bought your windows and let them know of any problems as soon as you notice them. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. If there are any disagreements the fact that everything is written will aid in proving your case.

In certain situations an expert in window repair may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. However, this is typically only a temporary solution and will not stop moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass part, which will make it watertight.

Make sure that you only try DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is always best to seek out professional assistance in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted, so you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed window repair glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is crucial to recognize the signs and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to look visually disoriented. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, further reducing its insulating properties.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this can be expensive and may not solve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the frame of the window to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, meaning that fog could be re-created.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option in the event you're looking for a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a firm with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be assured that your investment will yield the best results. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.