How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight 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 window frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs to look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. There may be condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way the windows are put in place. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. double glazing repairs near me of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. The rubber seals can wear down over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate 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, dependent on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.