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15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.

Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in some cases. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.

It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using just the right tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.

Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.

Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.

Leaking Seals

The seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills since windows won't be as effective as they once were.

There are a few warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.

To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to complete the work, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.


In certain situations, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options.

It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to wear out over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way in which windows are constructed. When double glazing repair Bedford happens, 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 put in.

A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.

Condensation

Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time.

One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.

Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from spreading.

However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible when you notice signs of misting or condensation.

A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.

Frame Fragment Damage

If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.

Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.

The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.

Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.

The good news is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.