How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just some tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using the putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
double glazing window repairs to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to complete this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and harm the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break in time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, though this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rise that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. This can cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation It is essential to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then push hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're a skilled 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 issue such as warping. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to solve these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.