How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you notice a problem it's a good idea to contact the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy on repairs is.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage can cause the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home using just some tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame with an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points are gone then clean the backside 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 glazing compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with 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 edges of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the glass pane to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double-glazed windows are leaking, the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious problem because it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is becoming less efficient. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they were.
There are some warning signs you can watch out for that will help you prevent a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed, it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be replaced. You may also notice condensation on the glass which is another indicator that the seals are failing.
To stop drafts, just replace the seals on the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized 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 in order to be able to utilize deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth a try if you have no other option available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break as time passes. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.
A window that is draughty is usually the most obvious indication that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. There will be a draught around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to seep through. This can sometimes lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to time.
Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may result in the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. 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 soon as you can to stop it from forming.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which can reduce the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of misting or condensation It is essential to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back in the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by providing you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from entering your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. This is often repaired with a simple fix, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which isn't something you should take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, so it will get trapped on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be Tottenham double glazing to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text message. This will make it easier to follow-up on any issues that might arise.