How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot problems you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills as windows aren't as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require resealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to do this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not harm the glass.
It is possible to repair your 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. But, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way your windows are installed. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
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 isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals may wear down over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that might be present. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find the list.
Frame 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 been damaged. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. double glazing repairs near me inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues 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 before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.