Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems, you should check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore crucial to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. 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 meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean, apply a small amount glaziers putty to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed, it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be replaced. You might also notice condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an expert glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to take off the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can fail in time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are set up. When this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. There will be an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It isn't something to be concerned about, however it's recommended to remove any visible condensation as quickly 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 why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window may wear out. The rubber seals wear out over time, causing them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into its place. They will then push hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repair s. You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can solve these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always contact your company via email or letter rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that may arise.
