20 Resources That Will Make You More Efficient With Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you notice an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy on repairs to double glazed windows.
repairing double glazing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back 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 glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type then you'll need use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills as windows won't be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to do this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. When this happens, it is important to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In certain cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals be worn out over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
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 opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you should take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and 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, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can 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, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.