How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window repair frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and efficiently.

Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using the right tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.

Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, you will need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major double glazing repairs issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for that can help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indicator that seals are failing.

To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and damage the glass.

You may be able to repair your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs, it is important to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from setting in.

Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.

To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be lingering. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to know that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, Double Glazing Repairs and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a list.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as you can to stop water from getting into your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.

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 typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.