How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can also lead to a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just some tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. You should contact a professional glass company to do this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no alternatives available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail in time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. You'll feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Rochester double glazing repair with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily 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 to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.