There are many reasons your double glazed windows might require repair, from condensation between panes to dropping or sagging frames. The majority of these issues can be solved.
Try applying lubrication to the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window when it is difficult to open. This is a quick, inexpensive fix.
Broken Panes
When a window pane is broken it loses its insulation properties and can cause a draft. If the dividing muntins are also broken, it could cause water to leak between the glass panes, leading to condensation, mildew and mould and making your home less efficient in energy use. It is best to have a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.
First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth underneath the window that has been broken and scoring around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). Before starting, you should grease the cutter of this tool with an oil that is light. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can use the tool's ball-shaped end to loosen the pieces and the glass should break away quickly.
After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess area of the frame. This will expose the glazier's point and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, the clips must be replaced with new ones. If the window is wooden the glazier's points could be used again if they're intact.
The remaining frame must be prepared for re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip of compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Make use of a premium putty such as a glazier's compound that comes in a cartridge, or a standard compound that is sold in a can. Allow it to dry prior to re-inserting the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are attached to the frame. Install the dividers.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue that double-glazed windows may experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by too much moisture in the house, with warm air meeting cold glass, which then forms into water droplets and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. It can be prevented by opening windows more regularly and improving ventilation by installing extractor fans and running dehumidifiers in order to reduce the amount of moisture. If condensation continues to occur you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.
It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can actually be an indication of a leaky seal. This is due to the vacuum seal that was applied by the manufacturer may become degraded in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This could lead to fogging of the window, and eventually mold growth if not dealt with quickly enough.
Hairdryers can be used for a quick way to eliminate excess moisture. But, this is only an interim solution and should be used only as a last resort. If the condensation has been left for a long time, you could be looking at mold or dampness in your home, which must be dealt with by a professional.
As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows repaired by experts. They'll take off the affected pane of glass, clear the gap, and then pipe into hot air to eliminate any lingering moisture. In this process, they'll also check for damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing treatment 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 insulated can fall apart and create a draught in space between the two panes. This is typically a simple problem that can be fixed by re-installing the gaskets and this will create a strong and airtight seal once again. This will keep the warm air inside your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills.
Double glazing that has mist may be an indication of sealed blown seals. The unit is comprised of two panes of argon-filled glass separated by a spacer to create an airtight window. If the seal has blown water vapour can enter your room via the gap. This can cause condensation between the glass panes, which can't be sucked out.
This is a simple problem to fix, and windows can be easily replaced by specialists with the right tools. The specialist will use an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is usually quicker than doing it manually. The tools also have a pointed end that can be helpful for pushing seals into the corners.
In some cases professionals may be able to 'reseal' your windows by drilling a small opening into the window and then putting in the desiccant material, or putty. This could be a more cost-effective solution than replacements and it will still provide a reliable draught-proofing system for double glazing.
Faulty Hinges
Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It can be caused by a damaged seal or a crack in the glass, or an issue with the frame or mechanism. It is often possible to correct this issue. This typically involves creating a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, and leaks.
Contact the company through which you bought your windows and inform them of any problems as soon as you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they've received your message. If there are any disputes being resolved, writing everything down will make it easier to prove your claim.
A window repair expert may drill the gap between your windows to remove moisture and create the seal. This is only temporary and won't stop moisture from resurfacing. Alternatively, it may be possible to replace the glass unit itself to ensure that it is watertight.
It is important to keep in mind that you should only attempt DIY fixes when you have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Super glue or other DIY solutions can cause more damage over the long term. If you aren't sure what to do, it's always advisable to seek out professional advice. You can find an expert local to you who can offer double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. All of our tradespeople are verified and checked for accuracy, so you can trust them to provide top-quality service.
Broken Seals
Window seals, also known as gas fills, are what hold double-glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, like weather conditions, age and power washing, so it's important to know what the symptoms are and how to repair them.
When a window seal breaks, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes and create fog. It's a frequent issue and it can also cause the window to appear visually altered. If the seal is damaged it is when any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, thereby reducing its insulating properties.
A professional glazier can repair a damaged window seal with a brand new one. This is costly and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging, which involves placing a vacuum pump inside the window frame in order to remove moisture and clear the glass. This method isn't 100% reliable, and it doesn't replace inert gasses, so the fog may return.
If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is the most cost-effective method and is a good choice if you are looking for a long-term solution. But, it's best to select a company that offers a warranty for replacement windows to ensure that any problems are protected. You can be sure that your investment will yield the best results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this problem by choosing a high-quality window and following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. This will help to prolong the lifespan of your window and reduce the need for repairs.