How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.

Repairing your double glazing can be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and properly.

Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with the right tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits 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, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.

Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. There may also be condensation on the glass which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.

The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.

In certain situations, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are set up. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

A window that is draughty is usually 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, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.

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

Condensation typically occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, which 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 to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from forming.

Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window may wear out. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

A tradesman can door repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair, Double glazing repairs such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window repair frames which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.

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

Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.