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Double Glazed Windows Repairs

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 applying lubrication to the hinges, handles and mechanism of your door or window if it is difficult to open. This is usually a simple, short-term fix.

Broken Panes

When a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and can create draft. If the dividing muntins are broken, it could cause moisture to leak between the glass panes resulting in condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less energy efficient. It is recommended to hire a professional repair the damaged window to ensure the most effective seal and energy efficiency.

First, you’ll need to remove the broken glass. Begin by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the broken window, and then cutting around the edges of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you begin, make sure to lubricate the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from shattering too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off quite 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 hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there’s any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier’s gilder’s points can be re-used if they’re still in good condition.

You’ll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess with a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier’s compound that is contained in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. Dry it out before installing the glass. If the frame has metal clippings, these should be removed as well. Then, you can install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows face, especially in the winter months. It’s usually caused by too much moisture in the house as warm air meets cold glass. This then turns into water droplets, and collects in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently, improving ventilation with extractor fans, and utilizing dehumidifiers. If condensation continues to occur, you should call an expert who will be able to pinpoint the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.

It’s also important to know that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer can break down in time, allowing cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to fog up and then develop mold if not addressed quickly.

For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is just a short-term solution and should only be used as the last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time you may be experiencing mould or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.

As a longer-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They’ll remove the affected pane of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they’ll examine for any damage, mildew or mould growth and apply a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are fully operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

Rubber seals can get worn out over time and cause drafts between the two panes. It is an easy fix to replace the gaskets, that will form an airtight seal. This will keep the 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 the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit consists of 2 panes of glass separated by an insulating bar that creates an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, like argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This will create condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix and windows can be replaced very quickly by professionals with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push into the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. These tools also come with a pointed end which can be useful for pushing the seals into the corners.

In certain situations an expert might be able to “reseal your windows’ by drilling a small hole into the window and adding an adsorbent material or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements, and will give you an effective protection against draughts for your double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a typical problem that many people encounter. It could be caused by a cracked or broken glass or frame, or even a broken seal. The good thing is that this is often fixed. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and inform them of any issues immediately you spot them. Be sure to do this in writing, and ask them to confirm that they have received your message. If there is a dispute being resolved, writing everything down will help you prove your complaint.

In some instances an expert in window repair may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and create the new seal. However, this is generally only temporary and will not stop moisture from returning. In addition, it might be possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight.

It is important to remember that you should only attempt DIY fixes if you have the skills and know-how required to make the attempt. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more long-term damage. It is always best to seek help from a professional if you are unsure what to do. You can locate a local tradesperson who offers double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our traders are verified and checked for accuracy and you can trust that they will provide you with a top quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, also known as gas fills, keep double-glazed windows in place. They can be damaged by various factors, including weather conditions, age and power washing. It is crucial to know the symptoms and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows moisture to seep in between the two glass panes and create fog. It’s a common problem, and it can also cause the window to appear visually disoriented. Once the seal fails, argon and other inert gases are removed from the window, decreasing the glass’s insulation properties.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. However, this could be expensive and may not resolve the fog problem entirely. Some companies offer defogging services that involve putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and doesn’t replace any inert gas, and the fog can be re-applied.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) in the event that it is beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and is a great option when you’re looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are protected. This way, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most value from your investment. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing the best quality product and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the life of the window and reduce the amount of repairs.