Indisputable Proof That You Need Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue it's a good idea to contact the company who provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some cases. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that can be solved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be accomplished at home with just a few materials and tools. To do so, double glazing repairs first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and close the gap between the frames.
Some windows use aluminum, Double Glazing Repairs wood or vinyl stops to hold the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type you'll need to make use of a utility knife slice through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue since it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are some warning signs to look for to help you prevent a drafty window from becoming a problem. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when closed It could be because the seal has broken and must be replaced. There may also be condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
You might be able to fix your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options.
It is not unusual for the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This can be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. You'll feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to be able to seep through. In certain cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time some.
A common issue that double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could cause mould growth and even wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failing window repair seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows could leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window repairs can become worn. This can cause them to break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between your glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to have your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane, before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still remain. They will then apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade makes this easy by providing you with local, verified and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing repairs. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find an overview.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals are there to keep cold and water out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's vital to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. Most of the time, this can be fixed by a simple fix like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common 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 become stuck in the track or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will settle on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that are not properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, typically for 10 or 20 year and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow up with any issues that may arise.
