15 Things To Give The Repairing Double Glazing Lover In Your Life
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing 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 rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using some tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs to look for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require sealing. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. Double Glazing Window Repairs is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work, as they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail as time passes. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air get through. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. They may eventually break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting It is essential to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be present. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. This can often be fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that might arise.