14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack fast and properly.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. Once 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 meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could cause you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should be aware of to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time some.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately 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 into place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. double glazing window repairs can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.