If You've Just Purchased Repairing Double Glazing ... Now What?
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you find a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some cases. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with the right tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on 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 serious problem because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs replacing. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are set up. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. You will feel a draught around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In some cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal. 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 will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can repair 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 working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in
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Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in 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 outside air, so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check what yours covers 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.