How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also result in an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with just a few materials and tools. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once double glazing repair near me and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ 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'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape on 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 to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows aren't as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs resealing. There may also be condensation on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done in order to 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 which are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any alternatives available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. They may eventually break, which will then reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible when you notice signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then push hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply the new seal 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 windows. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, 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 can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.
