How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using some tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets 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 with the help of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum 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 employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the glass pane to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will assist you in stopping drafty window from becoming a problem. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to have this work done in order to be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it does not have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break as time passes. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way your windows are installed. If this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. double glazing window repairs 'll feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, verified 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 tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.