How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice an issue, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs is.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could cause an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that 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 use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little 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.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs that you can look for to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require resealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact a professional glass firm to perform this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not harm the glass.
You may be able to repair your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to some.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repair s. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson 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 most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it is more likely to get trapped on 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 less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.