How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot a problem, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to learn what their policy for repairs is.
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 depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. It isn't easy to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This type of damage can cause a loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. After all glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane is joined to the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's putty on the glass's edge to fix it to the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, you will need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the new glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead to expensive heating bills as windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs you can watch for to help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indicator that seals are failing.
To stop a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
It is possible to repair your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't have a good heat resistance and it can leak again in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail in time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way the windows are put in place. If this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first put in.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In certain cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, although this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great alternative for homeowners who wish to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first indication that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not treated quickly, it could result in mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This can be seen on your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's a good idea clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can to prevent it from forming.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. The rubber seals may be worn out over time, causing them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows repaired immediately when you notice indications of condensation or misting.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may be lingering. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to get a list.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to stop water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, 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 a skilled tradesman.
A common issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
The good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you start work. Always contact your company by email or letter, instead of text message. Walton-on-Thames window repair will make it easier to follow up on any issues that might arise.