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 do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most common 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. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using just the right tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for that can assist you in stopping drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to complete this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and harm the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to break over time. double glazing window repairs could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from setting in.
However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might be lingering. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be the result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.