How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice an issue, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. 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 cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the glass and frame 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 seal the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight 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 a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
double glazing repairs is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they first came out.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed may wear out. The rubber seals can wear out over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
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 blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair, such as 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 you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be because 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 warping of the sash or frame. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can repair these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.