How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

In some cases, repairing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.

Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few materials and tools. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that 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 with the help of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.

Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides 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 your new pane of window to avoid further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.

There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact an expert glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not damage the glass.

You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options available.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that your windows are installed. If this happens it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.

Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to get through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is less common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.

Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.

Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.

A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you hear crackling sound or double glazing repairs other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.

Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in 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.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

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

The good part is that you can repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. double glazing repairs near me glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.