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 spot an issue, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs. In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them. Broken Glass Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly. Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue. Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames. Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage. Leaking Seals If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be. Luckily, there are some warning signs to look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed. The easiest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass. In certain situations it is possible to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options. It is not unusual for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential 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. A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common. Condensation Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time. Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood decay. Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from spreading. Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting. A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight. Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repair s. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list of results. Frame Fragment Damage It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from getting into your home. Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman. A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push. Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed. Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.
double glazing repair
