Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. 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 can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and properly.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using some tools and materials. To begin remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Be www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows aren't as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should look out for to help keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to get this job done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. When this happens, it is important to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
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 around the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from setting in.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water 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 pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap 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 do unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be fixed, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for 10 or 20 year, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.
