5 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause an energy loss which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with 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 a putty knife. After all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require replacing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break over time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall.
double glazing repairs near me is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and improve 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. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the 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. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.