How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can also result in the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with a few tools and materials. To begin take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type then you'll need employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order 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 surface of the new window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed It could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to break over time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. There will be drafts around the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to get through. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first indication that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may lead to mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from forming.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This could cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Finchley window repair that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be repaired, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow-up with any issues that may arise.