A Comprehensive Guide To Repairing Double Glazing. Ultimate Guide To Repairing Double Glazing
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 problems, you should check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home with a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure 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. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs replacing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not harm the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. It's worth a shot if there are no other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are installed. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into its place. double glazing repairs near me will then push hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get 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. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.