How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and efficiently.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills as your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require sealing. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to complete this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
In certain situations it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no alternatives available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail in time. double glazing window repairs can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they first came out.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time the point.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into its place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning as it should be.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.