15 Reasons Not To Ignore Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs.
Repairing your double glazing could be a simple process in certain instances. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and 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. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using a wire brush. After the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can 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 windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak in the frame, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they used to be.
There are a few warning signs you should look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires resealing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to break over time. This can be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they were first put in place.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught will likely be felt at the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to some.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rise that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as fast as you can to stop it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, which causes them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is crucial to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to receive 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 unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something you should not do 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 result from a buildup of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. 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. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good thing is that you are able to repair these issues and it can be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make it easier if you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.
