15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer 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 kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of 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 to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any 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 issue 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 because your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult 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 in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, if there are no alternatives available.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. When window repair Bow happens it is crucial 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 put in.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double-glazed window with 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 may still be lingering. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that you can repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that might arise.