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 find problems, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs.
In some cases,
Window Doctor repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the
Window doctor frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is becoming less efficient. This could cause you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are some warning signs you can watch for to help you prevent a drafty
window doctor near me from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done and they will be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking 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. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to wear out over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are set up. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can get in. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to the point.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. The rubber seals can wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It is crucial to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. 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 children or pets. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Based on the severity, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window.