15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy task. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to hold the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and properly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing this, as any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between 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 the new frame prior to installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount of glazier’s putty to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Some windows utilize aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills since 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 repair from becoming a problem. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal might have been damaged and require replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution since it doesn't have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. There will be a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches on the walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to some.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could result in mould growth and even wood mold and Double Glazing Repairs even wood.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. The rubber seals wear out over time, causing them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before putting it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture entering your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
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 within the track or a structural issue like warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and is usually cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 or 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company in writing, via email or letter, not a text message - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.