How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.

Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using just the right tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.

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

Leaking Seals

If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.

The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However, double glazing repairs this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to get this job done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases it is possible to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any alternatives available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they were first put in place.

Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this isn't as common.

Condensation

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

One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. 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 soon as you can to stop it from spreading.

But it's not always a sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window repairs are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

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

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. 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 that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.

A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be because of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good news is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.