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 an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with the right tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may 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 use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazing repair glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a 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 must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

You may be able to repair double glazing your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break as time passes. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way the windows are put in place. If this occurs, it is important 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 window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to seep through. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.

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

Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. The rubber seals may wear out over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning in the way it should.

It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in the repair to double glazed windows of double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get the list.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should 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 dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue 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 condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.

Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.