How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically 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 find out what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins 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 is clean then apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
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 means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead to expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs you should look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact an expert glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and harm the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to fail over time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. The rubber seals can wear out over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. Then, they'll 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 windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazing repairs near me glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you should take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home and double mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Be sure to contact your company in writing, via email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.