14 Misconceptions Common To Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you notice an issue it's a good idea to contact the company who sold you the windows to find out what their policy on repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. It isn't easy to remove a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This kind of damage can result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to fix the problem quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be done at home using just a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Make sure you wear protective gloves 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 a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone, clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Then, you can prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame.
Certain kinds of windows utilize vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new pane of glass to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double glazing windows repairs-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and your window is losing efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating as windows aren't as efficient as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs you should look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you feel a breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have broken and needs sealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
To eliminate drafts, 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 best to consult an expert glass company to do this work, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and damage the glass.
You may be able to fix your double glazing repairs near me-glazed windows which are leaking with silicone putty. This is not the best solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and may leak again. It's worth a try, in the event that there are no other options.
double glazing repair near me-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail in time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions or the way windows are constructed. If this occurs it is essential to have the seals replaced as soon as you can to ensure that your double glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the walls, although this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and increase the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require maintenance from time to the point.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the window's seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to mold growth, and possibly wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to avoid it from spreading.
Condensation isn't always a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. The seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. They may eventually break, which in turn will depressurise 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 tradesman can repair double glazed window double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into its place. They will then push hot air through the opening to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who have experience performing repairs to double glazing (advice here). All you have to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to stop moisture infiltrating your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or from impact damage caused by pets or children. Often this can be remedied with an easy repair like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you'd want to do on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem like warping. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the extent of the issue.
The infiltration of moisture through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, and so it will settle on surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that these issues can be repaired, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a guarantee that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify the terms of your guarantee before you start working. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.