How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot problems it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass 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. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from forming. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require sealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail as time passes. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. double glazing repair near me will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals can wear down over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then push hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Based 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 lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be corrected and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify 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 with any issues that may arise.