How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a warranty that covers them for up 20 years. If you find a problem, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in some cases. Here are some of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It can be difficult to remove a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins 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 with a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of tape that is strong to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice a slight breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. You should contact a professional glass company to do this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail as time passes. This could be due to the environment, age or the way that windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins with the brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. In window repair Waltham Abbey , this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from spreading.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in windows with double glazing are prone to wear. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes them to break. This can depressurize the air space between the glass panes. This is why it's important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in its place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged if you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of 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 could require the installation of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through windows that are damaged can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter rather than text messages - this will make things easier if you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.