How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. 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 together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may cause the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.

Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window repairs 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 using the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.

Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.

Leaking Seals

If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.

There are some warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires sealing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.

The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break as time passes. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. When this happens it is crucial 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 draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.

A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.

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

Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.

To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be present. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find the list.

Frame Damage

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

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from children or double glazing repairs pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.

A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue like warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the extent of the issue.

Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.