How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company who provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs to double glazed windows.

Repairing your double glazing could be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair double glazing windows it quickly and efficiently.

It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To start, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.

Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.

There are a few warning signs to look out for to help stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no alternatives available.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way in which your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they first came out.

A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In certain cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is not the norm.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to reduce their 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.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.

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

Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. This could cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting.

To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning as it should be.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs to double glazing windows. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

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

Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.

Another issue that is common to 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 issue like warping. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.

The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

The good part is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Faults with Double Glaze Window Repair glazing are typically covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you start working. Always contact your company in writing, by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.