How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using the right tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires resealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact an experienced glass firm to perform this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not harm the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which 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 as effective as when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to get through. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If double glazing repair near me is not addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from forming.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This can often be fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that are not properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Be sure to contact your company in writing, via mail or email, rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.