How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

double glazed repair pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing so, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Certain kinds of windows utilize 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 will need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.

The simplest way to get rid of 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 contact a professional glazing company to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain situations, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it does not have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break in time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. If this occurs 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 installed.

A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to get through. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as possible to prevent it from forming.

However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. The rubber seals can wear down over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.

A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. Then they will apply the new 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 is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs to double glazing windows. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair double glazed window like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

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

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Be sure to contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.