How To Save Money On Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is regarding repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are some of the most common problems that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It can be difficult to remove a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Repairing damaged glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. Once the broken glass is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone 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 they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass with an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned then apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the glass pane to stop any further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs resealing. You may also notice condensation appearing on the glass which is another indication that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to get rid of a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But it is a challenging task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done, as they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the most ideal option because it lacks resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are set up. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they first came out.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You will feel a draught around the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. This could result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for double glazing repairs homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to some.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels increase which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from setting in.
Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double glazing near me-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working exactly as it should.
It is important to note that fixing your double-glazed windows can be much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It is crucial to find a reliable tradesman capable of doing the job. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get the list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken when you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's essential that you get these replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. It is usually fixed with a simple door repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades.
The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be the result of the accumulation 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. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that you can solve these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Also, always contact your company in writing, by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.
