14 Common Misconceptions About Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who provided the windows to find out what their policy on repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in some cases. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. double glazing window repairs will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows aren't as effective as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look for to aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed It could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the degree of the damage.
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 inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.