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 find a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold 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 window frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and efficiently.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using the right tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, wash the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed, 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. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact a professional glass firm to perform this work, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can 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. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In some instances this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to the point.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing may wear out. They may eventually break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs . All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. This is often fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing 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 such as warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be fixed, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.