7 Things About Repairing Double Glazing You'll Kick Yourself For …

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 find a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.

In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can also result in the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with just a few tools and glaziers materials. To begin, take out any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.

Some windows utilize 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 can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.

In certain situations you may be able to repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other option available.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way the windows are put in place. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they first came out.

A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. You'll feel drafts 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 to get through. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.

Condensation occurs most often in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.

But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons why your double glazing repair-glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. This could cause them to break, Glaziers which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed immediately when you notice indications of condensation or misting.

To fix a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning in the way it should.

It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.

Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt 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 fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.

The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.