The Guide To Double Glazed Windows Repairs In 2023 Double Glazed Windows Repairs

Double glazed windows can need repair for a variety of reasons like condensation between the panes, draughts or frames that are sagging. Most of these problems can be resolved.

If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, mechanism and handles. This is usually a cheap solution that is quick and easy to fix.

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, water can be leaking between them, causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This will make your home less energy efficient. It is best to have an expert repair a damaged window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to take out any broken glass. Begin by placing a cheap glass cutter from a hardware store under the broken pane. It's a good idea to grease the cutter with light oil prior to when you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. The ball-shaped tip of the tool can be used to break the fragments. They should fall off relatively quickly.

Scrape any old glazing compound from the frame's recess after the glass is removed. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that hold the pane in place. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood, the glazier's points can be re-used if they're still in good condition.

The surface of the remaining frame must be prepared to allow the re-glazing. With a caulking gun apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty such as a Glazier's compound that is contained in cartridge. Let it dry before installing the glass. Reinstall the metal clips if they are on the frame. Reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It is typically caused by high levels of moisture in your home. Warm air collides with cold glass, which condenses into water droplets. These droplets then accumulate in the corners or frames of the window. This can be avoided by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans, and using dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation persists, you should call an expert who can identify the issue and fix or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to note that condensation on double-glazed windows could be a sign of a leaky seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory can wear out over time and allow cool air to pass between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually grow mold if not addressed immediately.

As a quick fix for condensation, try using hair dryers to dry the excess moisture. However, this is just temporary solution and should only be used only as the last resort. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long you might be facing mould or dampness in your home, which should be addressed by a specialist.

Professionals can seal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll take off the affected glass pane, clean the gap and pipe hot air into the area to dry out any moisture. In this process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out an draught-proofing procedure to ensure that your windows are completely operational and energy efficient again.

Draughts

As time goes by the rubber seals around the edges of your glass are likely to break down and this can create a draught in the space between the two panes. This is often a simple issue that can be resolved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal once again. This will allow warm air in your home and the colder air outside, saving you cash on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing indicates that the seals of your sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have been blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, for example argon, to make the window airtight. If the seal is blown it allows water vapour to enter your room through the gap, creating condensation between the panes which can't be removed.

This is a straightforward issue to repair and windows can be quickly repaired by professionals using the proper tools. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push in the new seals. This is typically faster than doing it by hand. The tools have an angled tip that can be used to push the seals into corners.

In certain situations an expert might be able to "reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole into the window and adding the desiccant material, or putty. This is a cheaper solution than replacing your double-glazed windows and still provides you with a draught proofing system.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a common issue that many people face. It could be caused by a broken seal, or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to resolve this issue. It is usually a matter of creating a seal between two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts and leaks.

As soon as you notice any problems, you should contact the company that sold you your windows. Make sure to put this in writing, and request them to confirm that they have received your notification. Making sure that everything is in writing will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, since it is easier to prove that you did complain.

In window repairs in window repair will cut the hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make the new seal. This is a temporary fix and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. It is also possible to replace just the glass, which would make it watertight.

It is important to keep in mind that you should only experiment with DIY fixes if you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more permanent damage. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always recommended to seek professional advice. Entering your postcode in the search box of Checkatrade will allow you to find a local tradesperson that offers double repair for your window. All of our tradespeople have been verified and checked for accuracy which means you can rely on them to provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Double-glazed windows are held in place by seals for windows or insulation gas. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like the weather, age, and power washing. It's essential to be aware of what symptoms are and how to fix them.

If a window seal is damaged it allows humidity to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a frequent issue that can make the window appear distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are removed from the window, reducing the glass's insulating qualities.


A damaged window seal can be repaired by replacing it with a new one by a professional glazier. This is costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services, which involve placing an air pump inside the window frame to remove the moisture, leaving the glass clear. This method isn't foolproof, and it does not replace the inert gasses, so the fog may come back.

A glazier may also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) if it is beyond repair. This is typically the most cost-effective option and can be a good choice in the event you're seeking 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 assured that your investment will yield the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will prolong the life of your window and minimize the need for repairs.