How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some cases. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage can also lead to an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with a few tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed It could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be replaced. You might also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. double glazing repair near me has broken and air is able to get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time some.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible when you notice signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then push hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then they will 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. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.