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 notice an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using just a few tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once double glazing repairs near me is removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail as time passes. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this happens it is essential to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from forming.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working exactly as it should.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.