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 find problems, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequent 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 cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also lead to the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break as time passes. This could be due to the environment, age or the way windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential 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.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In some cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals wear down over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial 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 in the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find the list.
Esher double glazing repairs that one your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.