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 find a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.

Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some cases. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and correctly.

Repairing cracked glass in double glazing window repair-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.

Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.

Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are of this type then you'll need make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.

Leaking Seals

Seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows won't be as effective as they once were.

There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require sealing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, just replace the sealsd. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could cause mold growth, and possibly wood decay.

Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.

Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

A tradesperson can fix a double glazing window repairs-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.

It is important to know that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Damage

It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.

Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.

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

The good news is that you can repair double glazing window these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.