How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage can cause the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with just a few materials and tools. To start, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. Once all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to avoid further damage.

Leaking Seals

If your double glazing window repairs glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are some warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are failing.

The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail as time passes. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is less common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time the point.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may result in mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from forming.

Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in its place. They will then push 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 is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.

The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the degree of the damage.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed repair glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good news is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that might arise.