How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.


Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered 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 together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and properly.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.

Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new window to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.

The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to do this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.

It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.

It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. double glazing window repairs could be due the environment, age or the way windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they first came out.

A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.

A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.

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

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear out over time, leading them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be present. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.

It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find the list.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises 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 essential to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.

The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.

Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be fixed and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.