How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using just the right tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you should be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact a professional glass company to complete this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were 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'll feel drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. 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 are skilled in doing double glazing repairs . You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.