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Repairing Double Glazed Windows: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Sooner
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

It is vital that you immediately take action if you notice condensation in between the glass panes or your double-glazed windows are misting up. It is also crucial to understand what tools will be needed to finish the job.

Start by removing any existing double paned glass from the frame of the window and storing it in a secure location. The next step is to clean both the frame and glass paying particular attention to corners.

Broken panes

It is crucial to fix a cracked double-pane window as soon as you can. This prevents cold or hot air from getting out and allows your home's energy-saving systems to work properly. This will decrease your energy bills and save you money over the long term.

A professional glazing company will fix this problem. They'll replace the damaged glass with a replacement unit. They'll also repair the seal in order to restore the insulating value of the window.

Double pane windows have a space between them that's suctioned and filled with inert gas like Krypton or argon. This allows the passage of heat through the glass with lower rates than air. This is referred to as an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) and is what gives these windows their insulating power.

When the IGU seal fails the condensation will form between the two glass panes, leading to fogging and diminishing the window's ability to withstand heat. There are many methods to clear fog from IGUs by using a defogging kit. However, these kits do not replace the gas in the inert gas, which means that the insulation benefits of the window are not replaced.

To defog a double-pane window first remove the vinyl stops that run around the perimeter of the frame. They can be easily removed with a razor or a small amount of putty. Then, clean any old putty from the frame's edges. Apply a new roll of double-sticky adhesive tape on the edge of the window frame and cover all corners. Then apply the window pane into the frame until it adheres. Then, apply caulking to the rabbets that are exposed.

Broken seals

Window seals are the edges seals that secure each glass pane of a triple- or double-pane window. If a window becomes cloudy or condensation that isn't removed, it's an indication that a seal has failed. The natural expansion and contraction of windows can cause seals to break. This occurs when sunshine heats your window, causing it to expand and push air out of the semi-permeable seals. When windows cool in the evening, it contracts again, bringing in moisture and humid air which could cause the seal to fail.

A damaged window seal could cause double-paned windows to appear blurred and discolored. In addition to the aesthetic issue window seals that fail can cause drafts and increase the cost of cooling and heating.


Although it's impossible to stop a window seal from eventually breaking however, you can take some precautions to extend the lifespan of your window seal. Make sure you have your windows installed by a professional and avoid using high-pressure washers on your windows since the high pressure can damage the window seal.

Another method to extend the life of your window seals is to invest in defogging services, which are available at a variety of home improvement stores. These services employ chemical solutions and a vacuum system to remove the condensation from between your window panes. However, these services only work as temporary solutions and won't fix the problem of a damaged seal on your window. To fix your foggy windows, you'll need to have the IGU (insulated glass unit) replaced. This is a difficult task for a novice DIYer and is why it's suggested to contact a professional.

Broken frames

The frame of a window can be damaged or broken due to a number of reasons. These include poor installation and weather conditions or the aging process. If this happens, it is important to know how to repair double-glazed windows so that your home is shielded from the elements and the damage doesn't worsen.

If you are able If you can, remove the window from the casing. This will make it easier. It also allows you to work in a safer position. Glass is simpler to replace if it's laid flat on the surface of work and fixed by some screws at each corner.

After the broken pane has been removed, it can be replaced and sealed. This can be done using the help of a putty knife and glaziers' compound that matches the frame of the window. Once the compound has dried you can paint the window to be in line with the rest.

repairing double glazed windows can be used to seal the frames and sash together when glass is replaced. This will stop water from leaking through and causing damage to the frame. It is essential to use a waterproof caulk, so that the damage doesn't get worse.

If the crack in a windowpane is small, it can be prevented from spreading by scoring the area with a razor blade just beyond the crack, and then curving around it. This will stop the crack from expanding and causing an even bigger hole.

If the windows let in ice or condensation, this is an indication that they require replacing. The gas seals between the two panes of glass are worn out and the air has be depressurized. Switching to an A-rated energy-efficient glass unit will fix the problem and save you money on your heating bill.

Broken locks or handles

Your home may be at risk of being burglarized if the windows aren't properly secured. You may also lose money on heating. If you're experiencing issues with your windows locking, a quick inspection will determine if it's the handle or lock that's loose.

If you have windows that tilt and turn (used on dual-action uPVC windows) then you'll probably have a spindle handle which locks with shoot bolts in the frame of the window. They're typically hidden behind plastic caps which can be removed using the help of a Stanley knife.

This kind of handle comes with the spindle which operates inside the window frame, pushing the nose of the handle across the wedge block to secure the shoot bolt. If this is broken the window will not close and could only open a few centimetres for ventilation.

You can test this by pushing the handle at 90 degrees and then observing if it latches. If it does not latch, the lock isn't working and needs to replace it.

This is a simple job but you'll need know the manufacturer and model of your window in order to buy the right replacement locks and handles. Fortunately, many online retailers will allow you to select the uPVC window style by phone and offer a variety of suitable handles to select from. Before you purchase, make certain that the replacement you're purchasing will have the proper spindle size - this is usually measured on a chart and is not always clearly written on the product description. If you're unsure of how to measure the spindle then ask a professional for help. A professional can offer suggestions and also provide you with a measuring instrument so that you get the ideal replacement handle.

Broken glass

If the glass layer on the double pane or both is damaged the glass can usually be repaired by an adhesive applied between the fractures. This is a temporary fix, and you must replace the glass as soon as possible to prevent further damage from weather. The repair is fairly simple and can be completed by the homeowner. However for older windows or glass in historic homes, it is best to leave the work to experts.

It is important to wear gloves and goggles while working on cracked glass. Before you start working ensure that you lay a drop cloth over the window to catch any shards that might fall. Also, be careful not to cause any further damage to the rest of the frame. Remove the beading that holds the glass within the frame. You can do this by gently tearing the beading away from the frame using a putty knife. It may be necessary to apply some more force to take it off all, but it should be removed easily.

After the beading as well as any sealant has been removed, you can begin removing the damaged glass. A razor blade or glass scraper ought to be able to cut through any adhesive left and remove the glass. You'll need to clean the surface of the glass and the frame prior to being able to put it back in place.

Make use of a glazier's compound that is with a good quality for the glass-frame joints when reinstalling a new pane. It is recommended to smooth the compound and match it as closely as you can to the the frame and glass. When the compound is dry, paint over it to protect your work and help it blend in with the other windows.

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