How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you notice an issue it's a good idea to contact the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been 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. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs that you can be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not damage the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can fail over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to be able to seep into. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. double glazing repair near me is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into its place. They will then push hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.