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 an issue, it's worth contacting the company who provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires resealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is 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 that you seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. However, double glazing repairs near me is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals as soon as possible 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 first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often 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 a major issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals may wear out over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, verified 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 seeking to find an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will settle on surfaces such as windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company in writing, via mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.