How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, 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 glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are double glazing repair can watch for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult a professional glass firm to perform this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and damage the glass.
In certain cases you may 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 provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no alternatives available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way that the windows are put in place. If this occurs 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 first installed.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to 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 to seep through. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time the point.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.