How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. 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 also result in an energy loss which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with some tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's glue 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 points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs to look for to assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult a professional glass company to complete this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
In certain situations it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This can be caused by age, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep 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 fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, however they require regular maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't something to worry about, but it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing may wear out. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Fragment 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. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. window repairs Loughton is often repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem such as warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the degree of the damage.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.