How to buy windows!
From double glazed windows becoming tricky to open, doors dropping and window panes misting up,
find out whether your double glazing should be repaired or replaced
How do I know if my double glazing needs replacing?
Signs that your double glazed windows or doors may need replacing include:
- They’re draughty
- They are leaking, letting water in
- They allow excessive amounts of noise in
- The uPVC is yellowing, or timber is cracking
- There is visible damage, particularly to the seals
- They are difficult to open, close and lock, or are sticking
- They’re often covered in condensation, particularly between the panes of glass.
If they’re not too extensive, some of these problems can be repaired. It’s worth speaking to a double glazing expert to establish what can and cannot be fixed.
Can I fix double glazing that’s difficult to open or dropping?
Difficulties with opening and closing your doors and windows may be owing to:
- The mechanism being stiff (if they’re doors or casement windows with hinges)
- The lock/handle catching or being faulty
- The hinges having moved or become loose
In the first instance, try oiling the mechanism, hinges, handles, or places where the windows or doors pass the frame (for example, if they’re sash windows) to see if that helps.
You can also try adjusting screws to tighten hinges or mechanisms. If you think these need replacing instead, contact the company you bought the window or door from.
Difficult to open double glazing or that which has dropped can also be caused by the weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frame to expand or shrink and therefore the window or door not move as smoothly – or ‘stick’.
Wiping the frames with cold water can sometimes help shrink them down slightly – but you shouldn’t have to do this regularly.
If the problems aren’t severe, try waiting until cooler or warmer weather to see if it resolves itself. But if either problems is persistent or has a significant impact (for example, preventing you from being able to shut or lock your door), contact the company you bought it from.
How do I get rid of condensation or demist my double glazing?
Condensation or ‘steamed-up’ glass can occur if there isn’t enough ventilation in a house or room. Even newly-installed double glazing can experience issues if this is the case. It can even cause it in some instances – homes need to breathe and energy-saving measures can cause all moisture to be trapped inside.
This can be a particular problem in winter, when it’s cold outside and warm in your home. The moisture collects on cold surfaces, such as glass.
To reduce it, make sure you let fresh air rooms as much as possible. You can also consider installing ventilation, for example air bricks, extractors, or vents in window and door frames.
Trickle vents can often be added to existing double-glazed windows to allow some fresh air in without allowing the heat in your home to escape. You can open and close them as you wish.
If you’re choosing new windows, consider installing one or two smaller ones, rather than all large ones – which you won’t want to have open all of the time.
You could also consider tilt and turn windows and doors: these let you tilt the window or door to let in a small amount of air while keeping them locked. Some windows also have the option to lock them slightly open.
If vents aren’t an option for you, consider investing in a dehumidifier and check our full guide to getting rid of condensation.
If the condensation is between the glass panes, this suggests that the seals are broken or no longer working properly. This should not happen with new double glazing.
Do I need to replace broken seals on double glazing?
You can leave broken window or door seals, unless they are causing problems with condensation, draughts or allowing leaks to occur.
Reasons seals can fail include:
- The elements – for example wood rotting, warping or expanding in very damp conditions
- Condensation build-up on the window – over time mould can form and damage the seals
- Using a pressure washer to clean your windows – this can weaken their seals
Sometimes window seals can be replaced without the entire window or door being replaced. This is easier to do on frames where the seals (also called gaskets) are separate, rather than built-in.
Where the seal cannot be changed on its own, sometimes the glass can be replaced instead of the whole frame. The benefit of this, compared with just replacing the seals, is that the gas between the panes (which stops heat passing through) will also be restored.
Otherwise, the entire window can be replaced. Either way, contact the company or trader you bought the double glazing from as soon as possible.
How do I fix a double glazing window handle or lock?
If the problem lies with heat or the mechanism getting stiff, try tips from above for cooling it down or oiling it.
If the lock is completely broken you may be unable to open the window, or unable to lock it. In both cases, you’ll need to replace the lock.
Usually this can be done without having to change the entire frame.
If you need to call a locksmith, rather than the company, then this could also void your warranty. However if it was an emergency situation – perhaps you couldn’t lock your door securely at the weekend when the company was shut – you might be able to argue for a faulty goods claim and compensation for the cost of the locksmith.