How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you notice an issue it's a good idea to contact the company who supplied the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can cause an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few materials and tools. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area 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 secure the broken glass to the frame.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and damage the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break as time passes. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. double glazing window repairs is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that might be lingering. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will settle on surfaces such as windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company in writing, via email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.