20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you find an issue it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs is.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to repair your leaking double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail as time passes. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. If this occurs, it is important to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.
A common issue that double-glazed windows face is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could cause mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To repair double glazed windows a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter 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 on your frame is damaged when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you should take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily 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 completely. Faults with double glazing window repairs glazing are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.