How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice problems it's a good idea to contact the company that supplied the windows to learn what their policy on repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts 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 could cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using some tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to look for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed It could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
You may be able to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break as time passes. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is essential 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 installed.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to some.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting It is essential to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow 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 remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs . All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or as a result of impact 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 the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be because of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to 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 corrected, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.