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 problems it's a good idea to contact the company who provided the windows to learn what their policy on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some instances. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using just some tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, since any broken glass may contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are removed, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass in place instead of glaziers' points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. After the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are a few warning signs to look for that can help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have broken and needs resealing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. However this is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to do this job, as they can utilize deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to break over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way your windows are set up. It is crucial to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they do require some maintenance.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is usually the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is most commonly seen in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from forming.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. The rubber seals may wear down over time, leading them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed as soon as possible in the event that you observe any indications of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before installing it and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that might be present. Mile End double glazing will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. The seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to 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 such as warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Also, always contact your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.