5 Tools Everyone In The Repairing Double Glazing Industry Should Be Utilizing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause an energy loss which is why it is essential to repair double glazing the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using some tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Make sure you wear gloves when doing this, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the help of a wire brush. After the frame has been cleaned, apply a small amount of glazier's putty on the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the surface of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since your windows will not be as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look out for to help keep a 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. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to fill 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. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are set up. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they first came out.
double glaze repair near me glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a draughty double glazed window. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can seep in. This can sometimes cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative for those who are trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mould growth and even to wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rising and condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
But it's not always a sign of a failing seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows with double glazed repairs near me glazing may wear out. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that have condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in the correct position. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive a list.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to stop moisture entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This can be a result of the accumulation of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue, such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, which is why it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
The good thing is that you are able to fix these problems and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee, typically for 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.
