How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in certain instances. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix the problem quickly and properly.

Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new window to avoid further damage.

Seals that leak

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

Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.

The easiest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not harm the glass.

In certain cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.

It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.

A window replacement that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is not the norm.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.

Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why Double Glazing Repair-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window are prone to wear. The rubber seals can wear out over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or double Glazing Repair condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.

A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into 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. This can often be fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.