Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Fortunately, the majority of problems can be addressed.
If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes are also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy-efficient. A damaged window should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get the correct seal and optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before you begin, grease the cutter with a light oil. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and the glass should break away quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound that has accumulated in the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in place. If there's any sign of corrosion, these clips should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be used again if they're intact.
The remaining frame needs to be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as a glazier’s compound in a cartridge. It should dry before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be reinstalled too. Finally, put back the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists you should contact an expert who can identify the issue and repair or replace the windows if required.
It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.
As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should only be used as a last resort. If you leave the condensation for too long, it could lead to mould or dampness in your home. This issue should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the space to evaporate any moisture. During the process, they'll check for damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure your windows are completely efficient and energy efficient again.
Draughts
Rubber seals may get worn out over time and cause a draft between your two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will create an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.
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 and then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which can't be sucked out.
Fortunately, this is an easy issue to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it properly. window repairs will use an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain situations professionals might be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double glazing and will still provide you with a reliable air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to correct this issue. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks from occurring.
If you spot any issues, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. Making sure that everything is in writing will help later on should any disputes arise, since it will be easier to prove that you actually complained.
In some cases the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit itself, which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to remember that you should only try DIY fixes when you have the skills and experience required to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can result in more long-term damage. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be sure they will provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep 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, therefore it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
If a window seal is damaged humid air can leak between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue that can also make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal is damaged, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, decreasing the glass's insulation properties.
A broken window seal can be fixed by having it replaced with a new one by a professional glazier. This can be costly and may not solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions that involve putting an air pump inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog could be re-applied.
A glazier is also able to replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and is a great option if you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you might face are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and minimize the need for repairs.