How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in some instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can 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, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you should look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs resealing. There may also be condensation on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass firm to perform this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not harm the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way in which the windows are put in place. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air be able to seep through. In some cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. This can cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be lingering. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs . All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive 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 been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as 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 should take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the 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.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.