Double Glazed Windows Repairs
Double-glazed windows require repair for a variety of reasons, including condensation between the panes, draughts, or sagging frames. Most of these problems are fixable.
If your window or door is difficult to open, consider oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is a quick, inexpensive fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken and shattered, it loses its insulation and could cause draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure that you get a perfect seal and the optimum energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from an appliance store beneath the broken pane. Before starting, you should grease the cutter with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tool can be used to break the pieces. They should come off fairly quickly.
Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that hold the pane in place. If there's evidence of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be re-used if they're still in good condition.
You'll then need to prepare the surface of the frame for reglazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Make use of a high-quality glue such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. Allow it to dry prior to installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.
Condensation
Condensation can cause problems for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by too much moisture in the home as warm air meets cold glass, which turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can prevent this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and enhancing ventilation by installing extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if required.
Condensation on a double-glazed glass window is a sign that the seal has failed. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause fogging of the window and eventually, mold growth if not addressed promptly enough.
For a quick fix to condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should be used as the last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time it could be looking at mould or dampness within your home, which needs to be addressed by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can get your double-glazed windows sealed by professionals. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe in hot air to evaporate any remaining moisture. In this process, they'll also check for the presence of mildew, mold or damage growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure that your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.
Draughts
As time passes by, the rubber seals around the edges of your insulated glass can break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets which will result in an airtight seal. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that is misted may be a sign of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to form an airtight window. If the seal has been blown, water vapour will enter your space through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes that cannot be removed.
This is a simple issue to solve, and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push in the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. These tools also have a pointed tip which can be useful to push the seals into the corners.
In certain cases an expert may be able to 'reseal your windows' by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding an adsorbent material or putty. This is a less expensive option than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with an effective draught proofing system.
Faulty Hinges
Many people have had 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 news is that it is often repaired. Normally, this involves making a new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.
You should contact the company from which you purchased your windows and inform them of any problems when you discover them. Make sure to put this in writing and ask them to confirm that they have received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will be helpful later if any disputes arise, as it will be easier to prove that you did complain.
A window repair specialist might be able to drill a hole in the gap between your windows to remove moisture and form an airtight seal. However, this is typically only a temporary fix and will not prevent the moisture from returning. It may also be possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.
Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes only if your skills and experience are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more long-term damage. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you are unsure what to do. You can find an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by entering your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and checked, so you can be sure that they will offer a quality service.
Broken Seals
Double-glazed windows are held in place by window seals or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including age, weather conditions and power washing, so it's crucial to be aware of what the symptoms are and how to fix them.
If a window seal is damaged, humid air can seep between the two panes of glass, causing fog. This is a common problem that can make the window appear to be distorted. When the seal is damaged, the inert gases argon and others are emitted from the window, further diminishing the glass's insulation capabilities.
A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a new one. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging which involves putting an air pump inside the window frame to remove moisture and make the glass clear. This method is not foolproof, and it does not replace inert gasses, which means that the fog may come back.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier could replace it. This is usually the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice when you're looking for the long-term solution. It is recommended to choose a firm that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any issues are covered. You can be certain that your investment will provide the most effective results. You can also try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will help to prolong the life of your window and reduce the need for repairs.