How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy on repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and correctly.

Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and Double Glazing Repairs tools. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.

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

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

There are some warning signs to look for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires sealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail in time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way in which windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.

double glazing near me glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to the point.

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

Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from forming.

Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing can become worn. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.

To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working exactly as it should.

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 reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.

Frame Fragment Damage

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

Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.

A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity.

Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will settle on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.