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 find problems it's a good idea to contact the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home using a few tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are of this type then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing 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 replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can fail as time passes. This can be due to the environment, age or the way your windows are installed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient 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. Double Glazing Window Repairs is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air be able to seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from forming.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson 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 have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. 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 you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix using 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. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.