How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in some cases. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be resolved.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also lead to an energy loss which is why it is essential to upvc repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using some tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.

Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are 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 damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new glass to prevent further damage.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires replacing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain cases you may 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 could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, if there are no other options available.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. 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 were first put in.

A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood decay.

Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from spreading.

Condensation is not always an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.

A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have 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 will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.

Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.

Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

The good news is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.