How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you notice problems it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be fixed.
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 the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to complete this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not damage the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are set up. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. 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 seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
double glazing repairs that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as fast as possible to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that might be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.