How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot an issue you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may also lead to the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag and alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. 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 meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty may 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 types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of glazier's points. If double-glazed windows have this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After Canterbury double glazing repairs is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. You might also notice condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
To eliminate drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But it is a challenging job that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service 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 some cases it is possible to repair leaky double-glazed windows with silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail over time. This could be due to the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are installed. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals 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 isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to seep through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to time.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes 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 get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help you find local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix such as using silicone to fill in the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Based on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.