A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can 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 glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means that all of the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can result in expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require sealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is best to consult an experienced glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and cause damage to the glass.
You may be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way that windows are constructed. If this occurs it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not addressed quickly, it can result in the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear down over time. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning exactly as it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade helps by providing you with local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has failed. double glazing repair near me are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the severity.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with double glazing or single-glazed that aren't sealed properly.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Also, always contact your company in writing, via email or letter, not a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.
