How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in certain instances. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are 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. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to do this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail as time passes. This can be due to the environment, age or the way the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. However, despite being double glazing repair near me and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to some.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by 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 with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.