How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice problems, it's worth contacting the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some cases. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using some tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken 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 behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are double glazing repair near me to look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs sealing. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass firm to perform this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot if there are no alternatives available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail in time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed may wear out. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in place. They will then run hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
Another common problem with 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 problem such as warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by 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 than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that might arise.