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 spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in certain instances. Here are double glazing repairs of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing so, as any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed then clean the backside 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 glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs to look for that can help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another sign that seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact a professional glass company to complete this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, if there are no alternatives available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail as time passes. This could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
A common issue 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 is not addressed quickly, it can cause mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in 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, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that you can solve these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Always communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier if you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.