Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you spot an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also lead to the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare to install 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 of glaziers putty to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed, it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to complete this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You'll feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. double glazing repair are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets 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 extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.
