How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage can also result in a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home using a few materials and tools. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since windows aren't as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You might also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are put in place. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. You'll feel drafts around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window can become worn. This could cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs . All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue 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 enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Be sure to contact your company in writing, by email or letter rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.