How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.

Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some cases. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using just a few tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.

Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the glass pane to help prevent any further damage.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem since it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.

There are a few warning signs to be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation on the glass, which is another indication that seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to complete this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.

In some cases, you might be able to door repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. It's worth a shot when there aren't any other options.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way in which windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.

Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel a draught around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding 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 a great 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, but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could lead to mould growth and even wood decay.

Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.

Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window can become worn. They may eventually break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.

To repair a double glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that might remain. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option 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 carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive a list.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.

Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.

A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt 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. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

The good news is that these problems can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.