How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could also result in the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back 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. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If double glazing repairs Billericay glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs to look out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might be damaged and requires replacing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to complete this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air get through. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, though this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time some.
One common problem that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window can become worn. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive a list.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals 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 getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it will easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.