How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also result in the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. Once double glazing repairs Ashford glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a 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 task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way your windows are installed. If this occurs, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can get in. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window may wear out. This can cause them to break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesman can repair 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. 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 a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you have 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 odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. This can often be fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that are not properly sealed.
The good part is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.