The Advanced Guide To Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot problems, it's worth contacting the company who sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, take out double glazing repair near me broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, wash the frame of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type, you will need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop is removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass that 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 job that requires specialized tools 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 utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal 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.
It is not uncommon for 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 your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air be able to seep through. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. 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 then select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice 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 broken down. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Also, always contact your company in writing, via mail or email, rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.