How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you spot a problem, it's worth contacting the company who provided the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in some instances. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may cause a loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to secure it against 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 will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your
double glazing Repair-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows aren't as effective as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. There may also be condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass firm to perform this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
In certain cases it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. In certain cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from setting in.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing may wear out. This could cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your
double glazing repair-glazed windows fixed promptly in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be present. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is essential to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to
double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or
double glazing repair warping frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.