"The Ultimate Cheat Sheet" On Double Glazed Window Repair How to Repair a Double Glazed Window

Double glazing is a good method to boost the efficiency of your home's energy use and protect it. But it can be prone to faults like condensation and draughts.

While replacing windows is the obvious answer to these issues however, repairs are often a more cost-effective option. Let's look at a few of the most commonly used options for double-glazed window repairs:

Broken Panes

The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear thick work gloves and put a cardboard box nearby to collect any glass shards that fall as you work. Make use of a utility knife cut the glass around the windowpane that has been damaged and make sure you wear a mask and eye protection because of the possibility of lead entering the frame. Use pliers to remove any clips or nails that are holding the windowpane. After the glass has been removed, remove any old putty and metal glazing points. A heat gun may help in softering the putty if you need to.

After the old putty has been removed, re-grout grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicon caulking tool. Before applying the final caulk it is a good idea to check the fit of the new window into its frame. Make sure the grooves in the frame are free of paint, rust, or gunk, and aren't too narrow to accommodate the window.


Then take the opportunity to replace the sash using an appropriate wood molding that matches the frame of the window. If the frame of the window is in poor condition it might be simpler and more cost effective to replace the entire window unit instead of one pane.

In the past windows with double panes comprised two pieces of glass, separated by the help of a spacer. They were then filled with air or an gas for insulation. In recent years, manufacturers have made the switch to insulated-glass units (IGs), which are more energy-efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In a window with a failed IG the air moisture from outside reaches the glass and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually damages the insulating properties of the IG and leaves an odourless remnant on the glass.

A glass repair expert can replace the entire IG or just the broken surface. This can be costly and time consuming, but is the only way to fix the seal that is defective and allows water to leak into the home. Installing high-quality windows by a professional with experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help to prevent any future problems with seals.

Misted Panes

The window frame holds two or more panes of glass that are separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is typically filled with argon to increase energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside and cold air out. Unfortunately, sometimes these windows start to fail and you'll notice a hazy fog building up between the panes of the glass. You may think it's time to replace the entire window, but it's not as easy as simply removing the broken pane and replacing it.

In most instances, a window that is misty indicates an issue with the seal between the two panes of glass. The mist or condensation means that moisture has entered and is causing damage to the insulation properties of double-glazing. This is why it's essential to be attentive to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean.

Condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that there's a high level of humidity in your home Therefore, it's essential to dehumidify the area and take other steps to improve the airflow in rooms where this occurs frequently. If the condensation is just on one side of the window or is visible between the glass panes, it means that there's a problem with the seal and you'll need to fix it.

There is no such thing as resealing windows with double glazing to restore its energy efficiency. When the seal fails the gap will allow cold air to enter your home, and warm air to escape. This will reduce the insulating power of your house, making it costlier to heat.

Some companies will drill holes in the panes of your window's exterior to remove the condensation. However this is a temporary solution that is unlikely to last for more than six months. It's not recommended you attempt this yourself, since it could be extremely dangerous without the right tools and knowledge. Double-glazing professionals will employ specially designed equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and then install new air vents, which will help prevent the possibility of misting in the future.

Frame Fragment Damage

Even with the best care double glazing is susceptible to developing faults. Some are minor and can be repaired while others are more severe and need to be replaced completely. The owner of the house should take this decision by taking into account the benefits of double glazing as well as the value that it adds to the property.

If you experience difficulty opening and closing your windows, it could be caused by misting or an issue with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as quickly as you can to prevent further damage to the double glazing.

The frames of double glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in place and prevent them from shifting, but with time, the special packaging that helps this happens will wear away. This can cause one or both of the glass sheets to shift slightly and cause a break in the seal and leads to misting. Mist may also form in the gap that is used to insulate between the panes, again indicating that the seal is broken and it is now time to repair double glazing.

The most frequent issue is that windows have sagged with time and are difficult to open or close. This can be fixed by changing the mechanisms and hinges. It is important to remember that a lot of new double glazed windows come with a guarantee and in this case it is an ideal idea to contact the company from whom you bought your double glazing to get information regarding what to do.

upvc window repairs is possible to fix your own double glazed windows, however it is usually better to talk to a professional and take advantage of their knowledge and expertise. Professionals will be able to identify the issue and offer the appropriate double glazing repairs quickly and effectively. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not attempting to repair your windows without having the right knowledge.

Weather Damage

Double pane windows are impervious to weather damage. However should you live in a place that is prone to icestorms hail, high winds and torrential rainfall, your window frames and sealings can be seriously damaged. The best way to ensure your windows stay in good shape is to regularly inspect them and repair minor dents and chips immediately you notice them.

Blown windows can be one of the most significant issues you could face when you have double glazing. If a gap is visible between the two glass panes air and moisture could be able to enter your home. This is typically a sign of deterioration in the seals or a problem with the insulating material that is between your panes.

Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than the outside air. The difference in temperature causes the warmer air to expand, which can cause the window's seals to break or weaken over time.

Foggy windows are also a common issue with double-glazed windows. The good news is that this is an issue that can usually be fixed without replacing the IGU. This is an indication that your window's seals require resealing.

To accomplish this, you'll need to drill a hole in between the panes of your window. You will have to drill a hole big enough to accommodate pipe cleaners or another long object, with fabric at the end. The cloth end is used to clean your windows clean and eliminate any condensate that is left. This will help to create an airtight seal and prevent any future fogging of your double-glazed windows.

This is a temporary fix for foggy windows. If it rains or there is an abrupt increase in humidity it will be back to normal. If you want a permanent solution, you will need to replace your IGU with a brand new one.