How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be simple in some instances. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It isn't easy to remove a damaged glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may cause an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack fast and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with just a few materials and tools. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and l-shaped space of the window frame. Then, you can prepare for the installation of 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 glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame.
Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop is removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of your new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs to look for to assist you in stopping drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs replacing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass firm to perform this task, since they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and not cause damage to the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way your windows are installed. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to seep through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve their home's insulation. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require periodic maintenance from time some.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from forming.
Condensation is not always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. However, West Bromwich window repair is essential to locate a trustworthy tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get an overview.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when children or pets play. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could result from a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural problem like warping. Based on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees and you should always verify what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.