How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

double Glazing repair-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.

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

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the upvc window repairs frame. This kind of damage may cause a loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all the glazing points have been removed then 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. 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. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.

Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new window to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.

Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs replacing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.

To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to have this work done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other options.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first installed.

Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In some cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.

A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from spreading.

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.

A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a list.

Frame Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.

The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending 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 could cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you start working. Also, always contact your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than sending a text message. This will make it easier if you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.