Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are many reasons why your double-glazed windows could need repairs, from condensation between panes, to drop or sagged frames. Many of these issues can be resolved.

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

Broken Panes

If a window pane is broken, it loses its insulation properties and could cause draft. If the muntins that divide the glass panes are also broken, moisture can leak between them causing condensation, mould or mildew. This can make your home less efficient in energy use. It is recommended to hire a professional repair a broken window to ensure the best seal and energy efficiency.

The first step is to take out any broken glass. Begin by putting a drop cloth underneath the broken window repairs, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in most hardware stores). It's worth lubricating this tool's cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from breaking too easily. You can then make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to break up the glass fragments and the glass should break away quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape away any glazing compound that is old from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's points and metal clips that keep the pane in place. If there's any indication of corrosion, these should be replaced with new ones. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if still in good shape.

The next step is to prepare the surface of the frame to be re-glazed. Using a caulking gun, apply a continuous ribbon of compound around the inside edge of the recess. Use a high quality putty, such as glazier’s compound in a cartridge. Let it dry before reinstalling the glass. Reinstall the metal clips, if they are on the frame. Install the dividers.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common issues that double-glazed windows may experience particularly in winter months. It's typically caused by too much humidity in the home where warm air collides with cold glass, which 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 using dehumidifiers. If condensation remains a problem, it's important to call in an expert to determine the root of the issue and repair or replace your windows when needed.

It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a failing seal. This is because the factory applied vacuum seal will break down in time, allowing cool air to flow between the panes. This can cause the window to become cloudy and eventually develop mold if it's not addressed promptly.

As a quick fix for condensation, you could try using hair dryers to eliminate the excess moisture. However, this is only temporary solution and should be only used as a last resort. If the condensation has allowed to sit for too long it may be experiencing dampness or even mould within your home, which needs to be addressed by a specialist.