How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you find a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to find out what their policy on repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.

Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.

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

Leaking Seals

If your double glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows aren't as effective as they once were.

There are some warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires replacing. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options available.

The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail as time passes. This could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they first came out.

A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, though this is less common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.

One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood decay.

Condensation typically 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 usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.

However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning in the way it should.

It is important to note that repairing your double glazing repairs-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. It is usually repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.

The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

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

The good part is that these issues can be fixed, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.