How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. double glazing window repairs can lead 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 be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass firm to perform this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options available.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into the correct position. 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 working exactly as it should.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten 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. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.