How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you do spot a problem it’s worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home using a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and acetone 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. After all glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets 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 and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty on the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood, or vinyl 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 make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the glass pane to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren’t as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs that you can look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they’re closed, it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However this is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don’t damage the glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
In some cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It’s worth a try, if there are no alternatives available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn’t performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to time.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rising, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn’t anything to be concerned about, however it’s a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
But it’s not always a sign of a failing seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. The rubber seals wear down over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it’s important to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to remember that repairing double glazed windows your double glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs to double glazed windows. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it’s most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something you should not do unless you’re skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will easily settle on surfaces like double glazing repair glazing or single glazed windows that aren’t properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it’s less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.