Double-glazed windows may require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Most of these problems can be solved.
Try to lubricate the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a cheap, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
When a window is broken, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If their explanation dividing muntins are damaged, it could cause moisture to leak through the glass panes, resulting in condensation, mold and mildew and making your home less efficient in energy use. A damaged window should be repaired by a professional to ensure you get the correct seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
In the beginning, you'll have to take the broken glass off. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window, and then scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, grease the cutter with a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. You can then utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces, which should come away quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be reused if they're intact.
The remaining frame needs to be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty like glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that is sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, they should be reinstalled too. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, particularly during winter. It is typically caused by excessive moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. It can be prevented by opening your windows more often and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation is still an issue, it's crucial to contact an expert to get to the root of the issue. You can then fix or replace your windows as necessary.
Condensation on a double-glazed window is a sign that the seal has failed. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time and allow cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.
You can use a hairdryer for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should be used only as a last option. If the condensation has been left for a long time you may be experiencing mold or dampness within your home, which must be addressed by a specialist.
Professionals can reseal double-glazed windows to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They will then pipe hot air into the space to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth and apply an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely functional and energy efficient once again.
Draughts
The rubber seals get worn out over time and create drafts between your two panes. This is typically a simple issue that can be resolved by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep warm air inside your home, and colder air outside. You'll save money on your energy bill.
Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of the 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 has blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which is not able to be removed.
This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the appropriate tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.
A professional may be able'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window, and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have experienced misted double glazing. It may be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good thing is that this can be easily solved. This usually involves making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts and leaks from happening.
You should contact the company through which you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems when you discover them. You should inform the company in writing and ask for confirmation that they received your message. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your complaint.
A window repair expert could drill a hole between your windows to remove moisture and create the seal. This is only temporary and will not stop moisture from resurfacing. It might also be possible to replace only the glass unit, which will make it watertight.
Remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes with the knowledge and skills you have are sufficient. Utilizing super glue or any other kind of DIY solution can cause more damage in the long in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it's always better to seek professional advice. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. There are a variety of reasons that can cause them to break, including weather conditions, age and power washing, therefore it's essential to be aware of what signs are and what to do to fix them.
When a window seal fails it allows moisture to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are lost from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.
A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with an entirely new one by an experienced glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air-pump inside the frame of the window to remove moisture and clear the glass. However this method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog could return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is the most cost-effective option and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is best to choose a company who offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you might face are covered. This means you can be sure that you'll get maximum value for your investment. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing the best quality product and following the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.
