A Guide To Double Glazed Windows Repairs In 2023

Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows may need repairs including condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Fortunately, a majority of problems can be addressed.

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

Broken Panes

If a local window repair pane is damaged, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, 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 an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.

Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with lightweight 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 pieces and 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 expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there's any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be reinstalled too. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly in winter. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly, improving ventilation through extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in a professional to get to the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows as needed.

Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The seals that are applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed immediately.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. However, this is just an interim solution and should be only used as an option last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it could cause dampness or mould within your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. In the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down over time and cause drafts between your two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home and the colder air out, thereby saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown the water vapour will get into your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple problem to fix and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals into place and it is usually faster than attempting to do it manually. These tools have a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

A professional might be able to reseal your windows by drilling a small opening in the window, and then adding a desiccant or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can often be solved. This typically involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.

Contact the company from which you bought your windows and let them know of any problems immediately you spot them. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, because it will be easier to prove that you did indeed complain.

A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and create the seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the moisture from returning. It is also possible to replace only the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more damage over the long term. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will help you find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair. All of our tradespeople are fully checked and vetted which means you can rely on that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Double glazed windows are held in place by seals on windows or gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, such as weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the signs are and what to do to fix them.

If a window seal fails humid air can get between the two panes glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal is damaged, any argon or other inert gas will be 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. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and window repair leave the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog may come back.

A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is recommended 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 yield the best results. You can also attempt to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.