10 Things People Hate About Repairing Double Glazing
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 spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage can cause an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
repairing double glazing windows broken glass in double glazed windows repairs-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, wash the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using the putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type, you will 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 is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs replacing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to do this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. If this occurs it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glaze repair-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
double glazed window repairs glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. There will be drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to some.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing can become worn. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to know that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you should take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.