How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on upvc repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.

Leaking Seals

The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.

There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require resealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that the 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 job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.

In some cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options available.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time.

A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.

Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing upvc repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.

Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.

A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good news is that these problems can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.