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 spot problems it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.

It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with some tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as 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 with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.

Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window doctor near me to prevent further damage.

Leaking Seals

The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can result in expensive heating bills as windows won't be as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look out for to help stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to complete this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.

It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first put in place.

A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this is less common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.

A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.

Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting.

To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning as it should be.

It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is essential to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair by using silicone 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 are skilled tradesman.

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

Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.

Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. 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. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.