How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. 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.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with some tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
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 can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed It could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail in time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. In some cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time the point.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If double glazing window repairs of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can result in mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals be worn out over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the gap 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 your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than 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.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even 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 may arise.