Double-glazed windows require repair for many reasons, like condensation between the panes, draughts, or frames that are sagging. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.
Try lubricating the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is a quick and affordable solution.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and may cause draft. If the dividing muntins are also damaged, it could cause water to leak through the glass panes, leading to condensation, mould and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window in order to get the best seal and energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. It's recommended to lubricate the cutter with a light oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the fragments and the glass should break off fairly quickly.
Scrape any old glazing compound off the recess of the frame once the glass has been removed. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is constructed of wood, the glazier points can be reused if they are still intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared for reflazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty, such as Glazier's compound that is contained in a cartridge. Allow it to dry before inserting the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they must be replaced as well. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. This can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and enhancing ventilation with extractor fans and running dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still present it is recommended to contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign the seal has failed. The seal that is applied by the factory could wear away over time and let cool air get between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed quickly.
As a quick fix to condensation, you can try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is only a temporary solution and should be used only as a final alternative. If you leave the condensation for too long, it may cause dampness or mould within your home. This should be dealt with by a professional.
As a longer-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, then clean the gaps and pipe into hot air to evaporate any moisture that remains. During the process, they'll also inspect for any damages, mildew or mould growth and then perform an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are fully efficient and energy efficient once more.
Draughts
As time passes, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can be damaged and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you cash on your energy bills.
Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is composed of two glass panes filled with argon separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, which will cause condensation between the panes which is not able to be cleaned off.
This is a straightforward issue to fix and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than trying to do it by hand. These tools have an edge that can be used to push the seals into corners.
In certain cases, a professional 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 glazing and still provides you with an effective air-tight system for draughtproofing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had misted double glazing. It could be caused by broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this can be easily repaired. This usually involves creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from occurring.
Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows and let them know of any problems immediately you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they've received your message. If there are any disputes the fact that everything is written will make it easier to prove your case.
In some instances the window repair expert will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create an entirely new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.
Be aware that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are adequate. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution could cause more harm in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always recommended to seek professional advice. You can find a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened to ensure you are sure they will provide a top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, such as age, weather conditions and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear disfigured. When the seal fails the argon or any other inert gas is removed from the glass, thereby decreasing its insulation properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves putting a vacuum pump inside the window frame to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, meaning that the fog may be re-applied.
A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is the most cost-effective option and is a good option if you're seeking a long-term solution. However, it's best to choose a company with a guarantee for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are covered. You can be certain 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 life of the window and cut down the number of repairs.
