How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find a problem, it's worth contacting the company who provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. 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 the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few materials and tools. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are 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. Once the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could cause you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires specialized 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 use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. 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 worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way the windows are put in place. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. In certain cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time.
Condensation is a typical 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 dealt with immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It is crucial to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs . All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by children or pets. This can often be fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to solve these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that may arise.