Why We Do We Love Repairing Double Glazing (And You Should Also!)
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could cause a loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of tools and materials. To start, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility 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 tape that is strong to the outside of the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they were.
There are double glazing repairs near me can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require resealing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass firm to perform this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not harm the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any alternatives available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this happens, it is important to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double glazed window. You will feel a draught around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air get through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time some.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from forming.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. They may eventually break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, and it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you should take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be because of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.