How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts for 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought windows from to find out what their policy on repairs. In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them. Broken Glass Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the glass's inner and outer together. It can be difficult to remove the glass pane that has broken without damaging the frame. This kind of damage may cause the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner. It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to 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 rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the glue that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame. Remove any remaining glazing points using the putty blade. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier's glue to the glass's edge to fix it to the frame. Some windows utilize vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type you'll need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without damaging the frame. Once the stop has been removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the exterior of the new window to prevent further damage. Seals that leak If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This can lead you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were. Luckily, there are warning signs you should look out for to help prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be because the seal has broken and must be replaced. There may be condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals have failed. The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a difficult job that requires specialized tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass. You might be able to repair your double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This isn't a great solution as it does not have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It is worth trying, in the event that there are no other options available. Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail in time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the way in which the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows are the same as they were when they were first put in place. Double glazing that is not functioning properly is typically reflected by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame meets the brickwork or the wall. The seal has failed and air is able to get in. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls. Condensation Double-glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and increase the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance. One of the most frequent issues double-glazed windows face is condensation. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation isn't addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood rot. Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise, causing water vapour to form. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in. Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failing window seal. There are a variety of reasons why your double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. They may eventually break, which can depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows replaced immediately. A tradesman can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by taking the affected pane off, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. Then, they'll apply the new seal to keep the gap airtight. It is important to remember that repairing your double-glazed windows can be much less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs . All you need to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesperson you require to get a list of results. Frame Damage It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. 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 prevent moisture from entering your home. Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not do 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 because of a build-up 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 warping of the sash or frame. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the degree of the damage. Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because warm air inside 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 these issues can be repaired and, in most cases, it's cheaper than replacing your windows altogether. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company by email or letter rather than text message. This will make it easier to follow-up with any issues that may arise.
double glazing repairs
