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 find problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some instances. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of 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 fragments. Once double glazing window repairs broken glass is 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 by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all 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 glass compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge 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 hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame 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 stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills as your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and damage the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. There will be an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals can be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be present. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always communicate with your company in writing, via mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.