15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.

In some cases, double glazing repairs repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

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

Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.

Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window repairs 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 using the help of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.

Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on 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 strip to the outside of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.

Leaking Seals

If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.

There are some warning signs you can watch for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from becoming a problem. 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 replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.

The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to do this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.

It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any alternatives available.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to wear out over time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are set up. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.

A window that is drafty is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood decay.

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

But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

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 through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working as it should be.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive a list.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.

Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

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

The good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not a text message - this will make things easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.