Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you spot problems, it's worth contacting the company that sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight 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 can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount 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.
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 made 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 destroying it. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should be aware of to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot if there are no alternatives available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. If this occurs, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting It is essential to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs . You just need to type in your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. This can often be fixed with a simple repair by 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 your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix using a bit 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 due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Be sure to contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.
