How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice an issue it's a good idea to contact the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in certain instances. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum 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 employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires resealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using 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 try, when there aren't any alternatives available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail as time passes. This could be due the environment, age or the way the windows are put in place. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be 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 isn't performing as it should. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repair s. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.