How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot problems it's a good idea to contact the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home with a few tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can 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. Once all glazing points are removed clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After 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 seal the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type then you'll need use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to prevent 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 problem because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires sealing. There may be condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, if there are no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that your windows are installed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the walls, though this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to the point.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing can become worn. The rubber seals wear down over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repair s. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. This can often be fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and, in most cases, it will be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.