Double-glazed windows may require repair for many reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sliding. Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed.
If window repairs or window is difficult to open try oiling the mechanism, hinges and handles. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.
Broken Panes
If a window pane breaks, it loses its insulation properties and can create a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes are broken, moisture can get in between them and cause condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
Firstly, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a low-cost glass cutter in an hardware store underneath the broken pane. It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and they should fall away quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the metal clips and glazier's pins that hold the glass in the frame. If there's any sign of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points may be reused if still in good shape.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess with the caulking tool. Use a high quality putty such as a glaziers compound in cartridge. Allow it to dry before re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It is typically caused by too many moisture levels within your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frame of the window. This can be prevented by opening your windows more often, improving ventilation through extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers to lower the moisture levels. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who can identify the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal may become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not addressed quickly enough.
You can use a hairdryer to eliminate excess moisture. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be used only as an option last resort. If you let the condensation sit for too long, it may lead to mould or dampness within your home. This issue should be handled by an expert.
Professionals can seal your double-glazed window to provide a longer-lasting solution. They'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gaps and pipe into hot air to eliminate any moisture that remains. In the process, they'll examine for any damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to fall apart and cause a draught to form in the space between the two panes. It's a simple fix to replace the gaskets that will form an airtight seal. This will keep warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you money 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 comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to pass through your home through the gap, causing condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off.
Fortunately it is a simple issue to fix and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts who have all the right tools and know how to do it right. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push seals into corners.
In certain cases, a professional might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and then adding the desiccant material, or putty. This could be an economical alternative to replacements and it will still offer a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have encountered misted double-glazing. It can be caused by a damaged seal or 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 creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will stop condensation, draughts, and leaks.
You should contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and tell them of any problems immediately you discover them. It is important to notify the company in writing and demand confirmation that they have received your notice. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your case.
In certain situations the window repair expert will drill the gap in your windows to draw out moisture and create a new seal. This is a temporary fix and will not stop the return of moisture. It may also be possible to replace only the glass part, which will make it watertight.
It is crucial to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and know-how required to be able to do it. Using super glue or another kind of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long in the long run. It is best to seek out professional assistance when you aren't sure what to do. You can locate an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust them to provide a high-quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are secured by window seals or insulation gas. They can be damaged by various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is essential to know the symptoms and how to fix them.
When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to enter between the two glass panes and create fog. This is a common problem that can cause the window appear distorted. Once the seal fails, gas like argon as well as other inert gases are lost from the window, thereby decreasing the glass's insulation properties.
A professional Glazier can replace a damaged window seal with a new one. However, this could be expensive and may not solve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging, which involves placing an air pump inside the window frame in order to eliminate moisture and make the glass clear. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn't replace any inert gas, and the fog may return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is beyond repair, a glazier may replace it. This is the most cost-effective solution and is a great choice if you are looking for a long term solution. It is recommended to choose an organization that offers warranties on replacement windows. This will ensure that any issues that you might encounter are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also avoid the problem by selecting a high-quality product and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.
