A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount of glaziers putty to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, 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, apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new glass to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame could be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and your windows are losing efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are a few warning signs to be aware of to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to do this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it's worth a try if you have no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This can be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they first came out.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to seep in. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time the point.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise, which causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear out over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders who are experienced in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has failed. These seals keep cold and water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural issue like warping. double glazing repair can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the extent of the issue.
The moisture that gets into your home through windows that are damaged can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always communicate with your company in writing, by 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.
