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 a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are a few 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 together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using just some tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type then you'll need make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once double glazing Reigate has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. In some cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time the point.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can lead to mould growth and even wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in a double glazed window can become worn. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or impact damage from pets or children. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be repaired and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.