How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you find problems, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage may cause an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack fast and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with the right tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way that windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. In certain cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in place. They will then push hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing double glazing repairs near me -glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you begin work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.