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 problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using just the right tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass 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 cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs to look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires resealing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, 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 seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail as time passes. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective 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 wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead 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 which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to avoid it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
It is important to know that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, so it's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. double glazing repairs near me can often be fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're skilled tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt 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. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
The infiltration of moisture 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 to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.