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 do spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most common problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is an easy job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could 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 residue left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty blade. Once all the glazing points are removed then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure 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 and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, apply a strip of tape that is strong to the outside of the glass pane to help prevent any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a major problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are warning signs to look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to complete the work and they will be able to utilize deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. However, it's worthwhile if there is no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. If this happens it is essential to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins with the brickwork or the surrounding wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't addressed immediately, it can lead the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
double glazing repair Chiswick is usually seen in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This can be seen on your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to remove any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation is not always a sign of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to get your double glazed windows fixed immediately if you notice any signs of misting or condensation.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation, a tradesman will remove the damaged pane prior to installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may still be lingering. Then, they'll apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson capable of doing the job. Checkatrade assists you by offering local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is input your postcode and the type of tradesperson you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other odd sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as quickly as you can in order to prevent water from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of impact damage such as when pets or children play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're an experienced 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 problem like warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that you can fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email or letter, rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.