How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes cracks 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 a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and properly.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using the right tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills as your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate double glazing window repairs , replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to do this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not harm the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft 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 been breached, allowing air to seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window may wear out. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced 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 pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows 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 outside air, so it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.