How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it’s worth contacting the company who provided the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty on the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier’s points. If your double glazed windows are of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass’s surface to protect the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn’t the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can fail in time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, but this isn’t as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time the point.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn’t dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It’s not usually a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation isn’t always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing may wear out. This could cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it’s important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair double glazing window a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to note that fixing your double glazing repair-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it’s a sign that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it’s important to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which isn’t something you want to take on yourself unless you’re an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single glazed windows that aren’t properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be fixed and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by 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.
