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 sagging. The majority of these issues are fixable.
If your door or window is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap temporary fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulating properties and may cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, water can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a proper seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to take the broken glass off. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available at most hardware stores). Before you start, make sure to lubricate the cutter with an oil that is light. 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.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be reused if they're in good condition.
The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow reflazing. With 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 is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience particularly in winter months. It's usually caused by too many levels of moisture within your home. Warm air collides with cold glass and condenses to water droplets. They then settle in the corners or frame of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation persists it is recommended to contact a professional who can diagnose the issue and fix or replace the windows if needed.
It's also important to remember that condensation on a double-glazed window can actually be an indication of a failing seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may be damaged in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should be only used as the last option. If you allow the condensation to sit for too long, it may cause dampness or mould in your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, then clean the gap and pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. During the process, they will also look for any damages, mildew or mould growth, and perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully functional and energy efficient.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals in your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap. Then, it is filled with gas, for example argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown the water vapour will get into your home 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 quickly by specialists who have the appropriate tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. These tools feature a pointed tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In some cases professionals could be able to "reseal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is less expensive than replacing your double-glazed windows and will still provide you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a damaged seal or crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. It is usually possible to correct this issue. Usually, this means making a new seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks.
If you discover any problems, you should contact the company that sold you the windows. Make sure you do this in writing and ask them to confirm that they've received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will help you prove your case.
In certain situations, a window repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create an entirely new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit itself which will ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only try DIY fixes only if you have the experience and know-how required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution could cause more damage in the long run. It is recommended to seek professional help when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our traders have all been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, such as age, weather conditions, and power washing. It is essential to be aware of the signs and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and it can cause the window to look visually altered. Once the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas will be removed from the glass, decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this can be expensive and may not resolve the fog issue completely. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not 100% reliable and cannot replace any inert gas, and the fog can return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and could be a good option when you're looking for a long-term solution. It's best to select an option that provides warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems you may have are covered. You can be certain that your investment will provide the best results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting the best quality product and following the care guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the number of repairs.