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 best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can 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. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have 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 then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should look out for to help 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 resealed. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult a professional glass firm to perform this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and harm the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were 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 draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to the point.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It isn't something 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 does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. This could cause them to break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be present. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repair s. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be corrected, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.