How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using just some tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue as it indicates 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 windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs to look for to assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs sealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. But this is a complicated job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break as time passes. This can be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. The rubber seals may wear down over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing double glazing repair -glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It is also essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when pets or children play. This is often fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with 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 problem like warping. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be fixed, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.