How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows Many double glazing windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice an issue, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy on repairs. In certain cases, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are some of the most common problems that can be fixed. Broken Glass Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's inner and outer together. If one of the glass panes breaks it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause the loss of energy efficiency, so it is important to fix the crack fast and correctly. Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is a simple job that can be done at home with a handful of tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue. Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean then apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to secure it against the frame. Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to employ a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the outside of the new window to stop further damage from occurring. Leaking Seals Seals around the frame are likely to be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaks out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they used to be. There are some warning signs to look out for that will aid in preventing drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal may be damaged and requires sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed. The most straightforward method to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment that can remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass. In certain situations it is possible to fix your leaky double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not an ideal option as it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It is worth trying, when there aren't any other options. The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber can break in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way in which windows are constructed. When this happens, it is important to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they first installed. Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has broken and air can seep in. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls. Condensation Double-glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they do require some maintenance. Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot. Condensation is usually seen in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's recommended to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in. But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal and there are other reasons your double glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing can become worn. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This can cause the air gap to become depressurized. air space between the glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately. A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into its place. They will then run hot air through the gap to remove any moisture. Then they will apply an additional seal to keep the gap airtight. Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new ones. It is essential to find a reliable tradesman who can do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs . You only need to enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get an overview. Frame Damage If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes, and it's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home. Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually fixed with a simple repair, such as using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you should take on your own unless you're a competent tradesman. Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become 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 easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity. The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed. The good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double-glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees be sure to check what yours covers before you start working. Always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make it easier if you have to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.
double glazing repairs
