How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can also result in the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with some tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. Once all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.

Some windows utilize aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the glass pane to stop any further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows aren't as effective as they once were.

There are a few warning signs you should look out for to help prevent a draughty window repair from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.

The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

You may be able to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail as time passes. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way that your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they first came out.

Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, but this is not the norm.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to the point.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.

However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.

A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning as it should be.

It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.

Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.

Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.

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

The good part is that these issues can be corrected and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.