How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to break over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way in which the windows are put in place. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You'll feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then push hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. double glazing repairs near me could be because of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Be sure to contact your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.