How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some instances. Here are some of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. It can be difficult to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to complete this work, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair leaky double glazed windows by using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the manner in which the windows are constructed. If this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. Luton window repair is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into its place. They will then run hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.