How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.

Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and properly.

Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, double glazing repairs wash the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame.

Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.

Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new glass to stop any further damage.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue since it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills as windows won't be as effective as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.

The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not harm the glass.

In some cases you may be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, when there aren't any alternatives available.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. If this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.

One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from forming.

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.

A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent water from getting into your home.

Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window repair frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that is able to enter your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.

The good news is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.