How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.

In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and correctly.

Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window doctor frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.

Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.

The most straightforward method to get rid of 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. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other options.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they were first installed.

A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. In some instances this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this is not the norm.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, double glazing but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.

But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately if you notice any signs of misting or double glazing condensation.

To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be present. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to know that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

It's possible that one your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.

Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.

A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.

The good news is that you can repair these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that might arise.