The Biggest Issue With Repairing Double Glazing, And How You Can Repair It
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in some cases. 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 outer and inner glass in place. If double glazing window repairs of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break in time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then push hot air through the gap to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can crack 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 in the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.