How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased them from to see what their policy on repairs.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most common issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage can cause a decline in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and properly.
Fortunately, fixing broken Basingstoke double glazing in double-glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, take out all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves as broken glass may contain hazardous shatterings. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all 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 glass compound. Then, clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use 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'll need to use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without ruining the frame. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once 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 they're closed It could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be replaced. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to 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 an expert glass company to do this task, since they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not harm the glass.
You might be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking with silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available.
It is not unusual to see the rubber seals around the double-glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age, or the way the windows are constructed. When 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 installed.
Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame meets the brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. In some cases this may result in damp patches appearing on walls, though this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to the point.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. Condensation is usually the first sign that a window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising, which causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea remove any visible condensation as soon as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on windows with double glazing can become worn. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
To repair a double glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may be lingering. Then they will apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs to double glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesman you need to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is usually fixed with a simple repair by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on yourself unless you are a competent tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be the result of the accumulation of dirt or dust that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be a sign that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. This can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the severity.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to 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, so it will settle on surfaces such as windows with single or double glazing that are not properly sealed.
The good news is that you can solve these issues and, in most cases, it will be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime warranties. Make sure to check your warranty before you begin work. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.