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What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple temporary fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane breaks it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the dividing muntins are broken it can cause moisture to leak through 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.

Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth under the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped end of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should be removed quite quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound out of the frame's recess once the glass is removed. This will reveal the glazier's points and the metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is constructed of wood the glazier points may be reused if they are still in good condition.


The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared to allow the re-glazing. Utilizing a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that comes in a cartridge or conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Then, you can put back the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during the winter. This is usually caused by too many moisture levels in your home. Warm air meets cold glass and condenses to water droplets. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation remains an issue, it's crucial to get an expert to determine the bottom of the issue and fix or replace your windows when required.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal may become degraded over time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it's not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix to condensation, try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only temporary solution and should only be only used as the last option. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This should be handled by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by professionals. They'll remove the damaged glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to eliminate any moisture. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are functional and energy-efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can wear down over time and cause drafts between the two panes. This is usually a minor problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and 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 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your space through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

Fortunately it is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ a tool designed to push the new seals in place and is generally faster than attempting to do it by hand. These tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful 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 then adding a desiccant, or putty. This can be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and will give you an effective draught-proofing system for your double-glazed windows.

Faulty Hinges

Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the frame or mechanism. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company through which you purchased your windows and tell them of any problems immediately you discover them. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your notification. If there are any disagreements being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your claim.

A window repair expert might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to eliminate moisture and make an airtight seal. This is a temporary fix that won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.

Be aware that you should only try DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other type of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing 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 top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, are what keep double-glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to many factors, such as weather conditions, age, and power washing. It is important to recognize the signs and the best way to repair them.

When a window seal breaks it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can also make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.

A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog could return.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of the window and decrease the amount of repairs.

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