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 spot problems, you should check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.

In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage can also result in an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and properly.

Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using some tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. 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 position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.

Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep 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 to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.

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 indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This could cause you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.

There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be because the seal has broken and must be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.

To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to complete this task, since 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 may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options available.

Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are installed. If this occurs it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. You'll feel drafts around the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, although this is not the norm.

Condensation

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

One common problem 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 condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from setting in.

But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.

To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working exactly as it should.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. However, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local, vetted, and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors checked traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.

Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of an 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. 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 inside your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good news is that these problems can be fixed, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.