The Main Issue With Repairing Double Glazing And How You Can Repair It
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who provided the windows to find out what their policy for repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can also lead to a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with the right tools and materials. To start remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. 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 get rid of any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a major problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look for to aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs resealing. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break in time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or Double Glazing Repairs the way that the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air be able to seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches on the walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for double glazing repairs homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows that are double-glazed may wear out. This can cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix a double-glazed upvc window repairs near me that has condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in its place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning in the way it should.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial 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 children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Based 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 damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that might arise.
