14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find problems, it's worth contacting the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be simple in some cases. Here are some of the most frequent problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
double glazing windows repairs pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using just some tools and materials. To begin, take out all loose pieces of broken glass. Make sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After getting rid of the broken glass make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all 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 glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass 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 close the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's 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 strong-hold strip to the outside of the new window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows repair glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all of the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs to look for to stop a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glass company to complete this work, as they can utilize deglazing equipment that can remove the old seals and harm the glass.
In some cases you may be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it is worthwhile if there is no other options.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way in which your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as effective as when they were first installed.
Double glazing that isn't functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. You'll feel drafts around the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air get through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches on the walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they still require maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't addressed quickly, it can cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as soon as possible to prevent it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. This can cause them to break, which will then cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should.
It is important to note that repairing your double-glazed windows is a lot cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's important to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This can often be fixed with a simple repair double glazed window like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it is difficult to open or close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. This can be fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glaze repair glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it will easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
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 typically covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that may arise.
