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 notice an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequent 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. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to make use of a utility knife 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, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the glass pane to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem since it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact a professional glass company to complete this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and damage the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. If this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, but this is not the norm.
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. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to some.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately when you notice signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be lingering. Then double glazing repair will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them 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. It is usually repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.