How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in some instances. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
The seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases it is possible to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. window repair Birmingham could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to some.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that might be lingering. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's most likely 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 essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you should take on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an 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 the sash bending or warping frame. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.