How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are some of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage can also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop is removed, place a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you feel a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases it is possible to repair leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break as time passes. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to some.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This can be seen on 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 stop it from forming.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately when you notice indications of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in place. They will then push hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as you can to stop water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem such as warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters 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 retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that are not properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. double glazing repairs near me will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.