15 Astonishing Facts 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 problems, you should check with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in some instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, 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 remove any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using 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 piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills as windows aren't as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any alternatives available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they first came out.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You'll feel a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that might be lingering. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a 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 frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to 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 gotten stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Also, always communicate with double glazing window repairs in writing, either by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.