20 Tools That Will Make You More Efficient With Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you notice an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most common issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just some tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead to expensive heating bills as windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to get this job done and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. You'll feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals be worn out over time, causing them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air space between the glass panes. If Sunbury-on-Thames window repair notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be lingering. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation 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. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.