How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you notice a problem, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, double glazing repair near me must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills as windows won't be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires sealing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an expert glass firm to perform this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not cause damage to 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 provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail as time passes. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the manner in which the windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel a draught around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. The rubber seals can be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be fixed and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.