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 an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some instances. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep 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 kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed 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, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could cause you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed It could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a try, if there are no other options available.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are installed. If this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You'll feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. In certain cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice indications of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
double glazing repair that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.