How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
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 can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home with the right tools and materials. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' 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 to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look for that can aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs replacing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. However this is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. If this occurs it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air be able to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may cause mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important 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 . You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Cracking in the frames 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 such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.