How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice problems you're looking to fix, contact the company that sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with a handful of tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking double glazing window repairs broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and 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 glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. 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 causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the glass pane to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any alternatives available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. When this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time some.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from forming.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed may wear out. This could cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This can often be fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using 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. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.
The good part is that you can repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This
