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 spot problems it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. double glazing Staines of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Make sure to wear gloves when doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Finally, 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. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you should look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to do this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
In some cases it is possible to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
One common problem that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.