How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in certain instances. Here are some of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with some tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean 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 the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is another indication that seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to get this job done in order to be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail in time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. 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 draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel an air draught at the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. double glazing Stanmore includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing can become worn. They may eventually break, which in turn will reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. This is often 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 isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you start working. Also, always contact your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.