Are You Making The Most Of Your Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot an issue, it's best to check with the company that you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs to double glazing.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in certain instances. Here are the most common issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. If one of the glass panes break, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also result in the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair double glazed window the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using some tools and materials. To begin 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 shards. After the broken glass has been removed, wipe the frame of the frame using an abrasive pad that is dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive used to secure the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. After all glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back 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. Then, you can prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain windows employ aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, 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 destroying it. After the stop is removed, place a strip of tape that is strong to the surface of the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely to be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is being released and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead to expensive heating bills as your windows will not be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to prevent a draughty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed It could be because the seal has broken and must be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are failing.
The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. But this is a complicated job that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. You should contact an experienced glass firm to perform this work, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and not harm the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that are leaking by using silicone putty. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, it's worth a try if you have no other option available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break in time. This can be due to age, environmental conditions or the way your windows are installed. When this happens it is crucial to replace the seals immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they first installed.
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 with the brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can get in. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they require maintenance from time to the point.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation is not dealt with quickly, it may cause mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels rising and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's usually not a issue, but you should clean any visible condensation as fast as possible to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a indication of a leaky seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could be leaking. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may get worn out over time. They may eventually break, which will then reduce the air gap 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 with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before installing it and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that might remain. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight.
It is important to know that repairing your double-glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It is also essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local verified, vetted, and inspected traders with experience in double glazing repairs double glazed windows. You only need to enter your postcode, and then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive an overview.
Frame Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken if you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as quickly as you can in order to stop water from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. Most of the time, this can be fixed with a simple fix, such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're a skilled tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glaze repair 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. Depending on the severity of the issue, it could be simple to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily get trapped on surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows altogether. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check the terms of your guarantee before you start working. Always contact your company in writing, by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.