7 Things About Repairing Double Glazing You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and efficiently.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home with a few tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. 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. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type then you'll need make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You'll feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. 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. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to the point.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't 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 and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many 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 could cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs . All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, via email or letter rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.