14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems you're looking to fix, contact the company that sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
Repairing your double glazing can be an easy task in certain instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also result in an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack fast and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be accomplished at home using some tools and materials. To begin, remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. Once the broken glass is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's 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 to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame could be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead you to spend more on heating because windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
There are some warning signs to look out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases you may be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break in time. This can be caused by age, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. double glazing repairs last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
A common issue that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
However, it's not always the sign of a failing seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear down over time. This can cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired promptly when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working as it should be.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new ones. But it's also important to find a reliable tradesperson to carry out the work. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find a list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, like 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'd want to do on yourself unless you are an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track, or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the degree of the damage.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler outside air, so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you start working. 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.
