7 Things About Repairing Double Glazing You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wash the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using the putty blade. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
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 of this type then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could cause you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will assist you in stopping drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot when there aren't any other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This could be due to the environment, age 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 remain as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from forming.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over double glazing window repairs made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals can wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice signs of misting or condensation.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing 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 you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double 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 cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, via mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.