10 Things People Hate About Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing repair glazing windows come with a guarantee that covers them for up 20 years. If you find problems it's a good idea to contact the company that supplied the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs to double glazing.
Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some instances. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to fix them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes cracks, it can be very difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may cause an energy loss which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and properly.
Repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows repair-glazed windows is a simple task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all the glazing points are removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame as well as the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass with 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 glue can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of the glazier's point. If your double glazed windows are of this kind you'll need to make use of a utility knife cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of the new window to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
Seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead to expensive heating bills because windows aren't as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look for to keep a drafty window from developing. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require replacing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indicator that the seals are not working properly.
The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an expert glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to take off the old seals and damage the glass.
It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and is susceptible to leaks in the future. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no alternatives available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail as time passes. This could be due to the environment, age or the way your windows are installed. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows are as effective as when they first came out.
A draughty window is often the most obvious sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has failed, allowing air seep through. In some instances this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting however they require regular maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first sign that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation is usually seen in the morning as temperatures rise and humidity levels are rising that causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not usually a issue, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal. There are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing may wear out. They may eventually break, which can cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
A tradesman can repair double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are looking for to receive the list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's important to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair to double glazed windows like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you're a competent tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue like warping. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because warm air in your home is more prone to hold moisture than 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 part is that you can fix these problems, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow-up on any issues that might arise.
