How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.

Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double Glazing Repair pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and efficiently.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.

Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside 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 all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills as windows aren't as effective as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for that can help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You might also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain cases it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

double glazing repair glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted 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. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows with double glazing can become worn. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.

A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in place. They will then run hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning as it should be.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list results.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or double glazing repair pets. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that may arise.