15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help 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 keep it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are warning signs to be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires sealing. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window repairs near me is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to complete this task, since they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to break over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand Double glazing repairs new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of an 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 bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you start work. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.
