Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most common issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using 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.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If double glazing repairs near me -glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you can watch for to aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require sealing. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging job that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to do this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not damage the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't a great option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can get worn out over time. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.
