How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with the right tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of 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 take the stop from the frame without ruining it. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs you should look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations it is possible to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break as time passes. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. When this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
One common problem that double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could result in mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in double glazing repair can be caused by wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that are not properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Also, always contact your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.