Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company that supplied the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair 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 causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could also lead to an energy loss, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home with the right tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all the glazing points have been removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows aren't as effective as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look for to assist you in stopping drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail over time. This can be due to the environment, age or the way in which the windows are put in place. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to the point.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. double glazing window repairs is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. The rubber seals may wear out over time, causing them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in place. They will then run hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you should take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of the accumulation 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 bending or warping frame. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is because the warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 years, although some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start working. Always contact your company by email or letter instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.
