How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice an issue, it's worth contacting the company who sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some instances. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may cause a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount 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 hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, you will need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be because the seal has broken and needs to be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company 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 leak by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no alternatives available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail as time passes. This could be due to the environment, age or the way your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first put in place.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In certain cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing can become worn. The rubber seals may wear down over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then run hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repair s. All you have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.