A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you do spot problems, you should check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage could also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, take any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an expert glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not harm the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can fail in time. This can be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. If this occurs, it is important to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from forming.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. The rubber seals may wear down over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows fixed immediately if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then run hot air through the opening to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. his explanation is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it can easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be fixed, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check what yours covers before you start working. Also, always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.
