How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's a good idea to contact the company who provided the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage can also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type then you'll need make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you should be aware of to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. It is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from setting in.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear down over time. The rubber seals can wear out over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. double glazing window repairs is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired promptly if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to receive 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 been damaged. 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 stop moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction 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 may be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of the accumulation 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 warping of the sash or frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.