What Freud Can Teach Us About Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue it's a good idea to contact the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.

Repairing your double glazing could be simple in certain instances. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just some tools and materials. To begin, glaziers remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.

Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new glass to help prevent any further damage.

Leaking Seals

If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for that can aid in preventing drafty window repairs from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.

The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying 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 age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they were first put in place.

A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.

Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.

Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.

But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.

To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.

Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.

Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or impact damage from pets or children. This is often repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.

Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.

Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

The good news is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.