Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl 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 from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills because windows aren't as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to some.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed promptly if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
double glazing repairs can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into its place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating 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 important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of an accumulation of dust or dirt 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, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.
