How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's worth contacting the company who sold you the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame 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.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the 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 remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this happens, it is important 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 were first put in.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from forming.
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 could cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix 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 opening to remove any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs . You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. This is often fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.