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 notice a problem, it's worth contacting the company who provided the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's inner and outer together. It can be difficult to remove 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 repair it quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, take out any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining 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 stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs to look 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 resealed. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. double glazing repair is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, if there are no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail in time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first put in place.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could cause the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might be present. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will settle on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.