How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you spot problems it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some cases. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and efficiently.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with a few 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 fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to complete this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
In some cases you may be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail in time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. If this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. There will be an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
double glazing repairs near me occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from forming.
Condensation isn't always a sign 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 may wear down over time. This could cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt 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, depending on the severity.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Be sure to contact your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.