How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some cases. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass 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 the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking 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 were previously.
There are a few warning signs that you can look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation on the glass which is another indicator that seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases it is possible to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. When this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air get through. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something 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.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dust or dirt 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 degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. double glazing repair glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.