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 an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that sold you the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. 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 meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.

Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.

Seals that leak

If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem since it means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.

There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing 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 resealed. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain cases, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail 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 have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air get through. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.

One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may result in mould growth and even wood decay.

Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from forming.

Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazing window repair glazed window can become worn. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double glazed repair-glazed windows repaired immediately.

A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into its place. They will then run hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the Double glazing Repair-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture getting into your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.

Moisture that enters through damaged double glaze repair-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.