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 find a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of materials and tools. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed 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 glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the glass pane to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. double glazing repairs near me is a serious issue as it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed It could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it does not have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first put in place.
A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
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 long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could result in mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be present. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to receive 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 broken down. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This can often be fixed with a simple repair, such as 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 that is not something you should attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.