How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. Bletchley double glazing will remove any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins 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 with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to look for to aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not damage the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are set up. If 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 first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window can become worn. They may eventually break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find a list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. 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 enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
The good news is that you can fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter rather than text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.