How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also lead to a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position 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 of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the glass pane to prevent 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 problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs to look out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires sealing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. double glazing repairs near me is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way in which the windows are put in place. If this occurs it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air get through. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
One common problem that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.