Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also result in a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack fast and properly.
Fortunately, fixing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are warning signs to be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal could be damaged and requires replacing. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround windows with double glazing to fail over time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way your windows are installed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can so that your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In certain cases this may result in damp patches on the walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to some.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. 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.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired promptly if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that fixing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. 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 tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from children or pets. This is often fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of a build-up of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as warping of the sash or frame. double glazing repair near me can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
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 to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.
