How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice problems it's a good idea to contact the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using the right tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area 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 glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first came out.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, but 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. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to the point.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
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 usually not a issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed may wear out. The rubber seals can wear 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 immediately when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repair s. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe 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.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. Based 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 damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been 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 warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.