So You ve Bought Repairing Double Glazing ... Now What
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's worth contacting the company that sold you the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs to double glazed windows.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To start, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs to look out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases it is possible to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no alternatives available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail as time passes. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double glazed window. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This can sometimes 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 improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows repair glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs to double glazed windows. All you need to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or 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.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.