How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you notice problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.

Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also lead to a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and correctly.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane 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 may 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 utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.

Leaking Seals

The seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills because your windows will not be as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are some warning signs to 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 due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The easiest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.

In some cases it is possible to repair leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other options.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail as time passes. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. 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 first installed.

Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window replacement near me. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to the point.

A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from forming.

Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning exactly as it should.

It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get the list.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window replacement frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.

Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.

Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped 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 corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.