How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you find an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be an easy task in some instances. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home using just the right tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for that can aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs sealing. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to do this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any alternatives available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first came out.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to seep through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before 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 remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. double glazing repair near me is important to replace them as soon as you can to stop water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue 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 become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it will easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always communicate with your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.