How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. 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 of glazier's putty on the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious issue because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. Double Glazing Repair could cause you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs to look for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You might 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 simply replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they were first put in place.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as you can to prevent water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.