Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows may require repairs, from condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.

If your window or door is difficult to open, try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins also damaged, it could cause moisture to escape between the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get a proper seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you will need to take out any broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments, which should come off fairly quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the recess of the frame after the glass is removed. This will reveal the metal clips and glazier's pins that keep the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be reused if they're intact.

The remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inner edge of the recess. Make use of a high-quality glue like glazier's compound that is available in a cartridge, or a standard compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Then, you can reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face particularly in wintertime. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home, with warm air meeting cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and then collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be avoided by opening your windows more often and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to get an expert to get to the bottom of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as necessary.

Condensation in a double-glazed glass window is a sign the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory may wear away over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This could cause the window repair near to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.

For a quick fix to condensation, 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 let the condensation sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be handled by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass insulated can break down and this can cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will create an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home, and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.

Double glazing that has mist could be a sign of blown seals. The unit is made up of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer, creating an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.

This is a straightforward issue to solve, and windows can be easily repaired by professionals using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip that can be helpful for pushing the seals into the corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good news is that it can be easily solved. Usually, this means making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from happening.

You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and tell them of any issues immediately you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and request confirmation that they received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

In some cases the window repair double glazing expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to make the attempt. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long in the long run. It is best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's essential to be aware of what signs are and how to fix them.

If a window seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is removed from the glass, diminishing its insulating properties.

A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gases, so the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective method and is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that has a warranty on replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. This means you can be at ease knowing that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. This will extend the life of your window sash repairs and minimize the need for repairs.