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 find an issue, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs.

In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and properly.


Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few materials and tools. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.

Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop is removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the glass pane to prevent further damage.

Seals that leak

The seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could cause you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed It could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain cases it is possible to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way in which the windows are put in place. When this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.

Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this is less common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to time.

A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.

Condensation is usually seen in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.

However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you should 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 be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the extent of the issue.

The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be corrected and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.