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 problems, you should check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy on repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.

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 type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.

Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with the right tools and materials. To start, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier’s putty can 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 windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass 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, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.

Seals that leak

If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could result in costly heating bills because your windows will not be as efficient as they once were.

Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs resealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.

The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don’t damage the glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.

You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn’t the best solution as it does not have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. But, it’s worth a try if you have no other options.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail as time passes. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that windows are constructed. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazing window repairs-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is not the norm.

Condensation

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

A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.

Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn’t anything to be concerned about, however it’s recommended to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.

But condensation isn’t always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons your double glaze repair glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. The rubber seals wear out over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.

A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

repairing double glazing windows your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It’s important to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find the list.

Frame Fragment Damage

It’s possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the space 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 result from wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair double glazing windows like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.

A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue 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, as well as mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that aren’t properly sealed.

The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.