How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some cases. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. 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 by using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back 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 glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect 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 have probably failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are set up. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first put in place.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to be able to seep into. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed may wear out. The rubber seals can wear out over time, causing them to break. This will 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.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs . All you need to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in 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 air outside, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.