15 Amazing Facts About Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in some cases. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. 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 repair it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using a few tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of 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 then apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive 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 becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass firm to perform this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not harm the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. 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 options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to wear out over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. In some instances this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could cause mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as fast as possible to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the 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. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down 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.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with 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 mold and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.