How to Go About
Repairing Double Glazing WindowsDouble-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you notice a problem, it's worth contacting the company who provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also lead to a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using just the right tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type then you'll need employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked 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 were previously.
There are some warning signs you can watch for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs replacing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. You should contact an expert glass company to complete this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and damage the glass.
In some cases it is possible to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to wear out over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. When this happens, it is important to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to get through. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can result in mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can
repair double glazed windows a
double glazing window repair-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in
double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do 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 buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.