Three Reasons Why You're Repairing Double Glazing Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically 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 on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in certain instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass firm to perform this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a shot if there are no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to break over time.
double glazing repairs near me could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to be able to seep into. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time time.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might be present. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is also essential to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a 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 warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little 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 due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however 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 message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.