20 Things You Need To Know About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs to double glazed windows is.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home using a few materials and tools. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new pane of window 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 indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require resealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail as time passes. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double glazed repairs near me-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double glazed window. You'll feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time some.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from forming.
However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double glazing windows repairs-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that might be present. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing [such a good point]. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.