How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

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

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold 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 kind of damage could cause an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane 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 secure it against the frame.

Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new window to avoid further damage.

Leaking Seals

If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious problem since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.

There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are failing.

To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

It is possible to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This is not the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a try, if there are no alternatives available.

It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing repair near me glazing to wear out over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.

double glazing windows repair glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, though this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.

A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.

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 usually a issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from setting in.

Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window may wear out. This could cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.

A tradesman can repair 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 remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.

It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair double glazing window like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down 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 an experienced tradesman.

A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the extent of the issue.

Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.