10 Things Everyone Hates About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often 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 that you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal 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 frame of the window. This kind of damage may also lead to an energy loss which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using just some tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can be aware of to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized 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 use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail in time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If double glazing Barnet of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then they will apply the new 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. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. This is often repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.