How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back 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 glazing compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could result in costly heating bills since windows aren't as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to complete this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and damage the glass.
Double Glazing Repairs wokingham may be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options available.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due the environment, age or the way in which windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they first came out.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window can become worn. The rubber seals be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This can 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 fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of the 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. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily settle on surfaces like double 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, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that might arise.