How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in some instances. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.

Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window repairs, see this here, frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.

Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.

Seals that leak

If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.

There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires resealing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other options.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazing repairs-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. You'll feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the walls, though this is less common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.

One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.

Condensation typically occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from forming.

Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. They may eventually break, which will then reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately when you notice signs of condensation or misting.

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 blow hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.

It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to receive a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.

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

A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be 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 indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or window repairs a frame. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home and 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 double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.

The good part is that these issues can be corrected and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.