The Advanced Guide To Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is on repairs.

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

Broken Glass

Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.

Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. Once all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window repairs frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure 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 a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.

Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new glass to stop any further damage.

Seals that leak

If your double glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.

Luckily, there are warning signs you should look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.

To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In certain situations it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.

It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.

Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.

One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could cause mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.

However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. The rubber seals can wear down over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.

To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy door repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman.

Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping 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 your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to solve these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.