A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you notice problems it's a good idea to contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage may cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be completed at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some types of windows use 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 you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating since windows aren't as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to look for to assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. But, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can fail as time passes. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they first came out.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air seep through. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can result in mould growth and even wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows with double glazing are prone to wear. This can cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. This is often repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If double glazing repairs is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that may arise.
