How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs to double glazed windows.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in certain instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it 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, take out any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier’s point. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills because your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn’t the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It’s worth a shot in the event that there are no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail as time passes. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You’ll feel a draught around the frame’s edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal has failed. If condensation isn’t addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn’t anything to be concerned about, however it’s recommended to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn’t always the sign of a failing seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing may wear out. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it’s important to get your double glazing window repair glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair to double glazed windows a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double glazed windows repair-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It’s important to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it’s a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it’s essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Cracking in the frames 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 by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn’t something you want to take on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double glazing repairers-glazed windows can cause condensation, repairing double glazing windows mould and dampness. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single glazed windows that aren’t properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.