How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs to look out for to help stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed It could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain cases it is possible to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. This could cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repair s. All you need to do is enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find a list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than 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.
The good part is that you can solve these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start working. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to foll
