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 notice problems it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.

In some cases, repairing double glazing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight 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 frame. This type of damage can also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.

Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all the glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.

Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.

Seals that leak

If your double glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they were.

There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.

To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However this is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact a professional glass company to do this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.

It is possible to repair double glazing windows your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks resistance to heat and could leak again. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options available.

Rubber seals around double glazing windows repair-glazed windows can fail in time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they first came out.

Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to some.

One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.

Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.

Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working exactly as it should.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window 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 can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt 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, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely 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 properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company in writing, via email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.