How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you find problems, you should check with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy on repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer 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 can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home with just a few materials and tools. To begin, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of the new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem as it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can result in expensive heating bills since your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. However, this is a difficult job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to complete this task, since they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and damage the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no alternatives available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to break over time. This could be due age, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that isn't working properly is usually spotted by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, causing water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to 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 a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window can become worn. This can cause them to break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. window repairs Peterborough will then run hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified traders that are experienced in doing 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 results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other unusual noises from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by children or pets. Most of the time, this can be fixed with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.