5 Tools Everyone Involved In Repairing Double Glazing Industry Should Be Using
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 find an issue, it's best to check with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and double glazing Repairs outer glass together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with a handful of tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are 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 some warning signs to look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the upvc window repairs near me glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and harm the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a shot when there aren't any other options.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail in time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In certain cases this may result in damp patches on the walls, although this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent 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 may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often 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 isn't something you want to 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 the accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
The good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.
