An Easy-To-Follow Guide To 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 find an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have 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, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
In some cases it is possible to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to be able to seep into. In some instances this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows wear down over time. double glazing Grays can wear down over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.