So Youve Purchased Repairing Double Glazing Now What

From Selfless
Jump to navigation Jump to search

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you find problems, it's worth contacting the company that provided the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
Repairing your double glazing could be simple in some instances. Here are some of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage could cause an energy loss, so it is important to fix the crack fast and correctly.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home using the right tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all broken pieces that have fallen off of the glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass can contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the window frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the l-shaped space of the window frame. Clean the old glass using an electric brush and the new frame before installing the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a bit of glazier's glue can be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to keep the glass in place instead of the glazier's point. If your double-glazed windows are this type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without causing damage to it. After the stop is removed and the tape strip is removed, you can apply a strong-hold strip to the surface of your new pane of window to prevent further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking in the frame, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue as it means that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as windows won't be as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when closed, it could be because the seal has broken and needs to be resealed. You may also notice condensation on the glass, which is an indication that the seals are failing.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and may leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available.
The seals on double-glazed windows made of rubber may fail as time passes. This could be due the environment, age or the way in which windows are constructed. If this happens it is crucial to replace the seals as soon as possible to ensure that your double glazed windows are as efficient as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is drafty is often the first sign that your double glazing is underperforming. You'll feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame meets the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. This can sometimes result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to some.
One common problem that double glazed windows experience is condensation. It is often the first indication that the window seal is failing. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood decay.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't something to worry about, but it's a good idea to wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing can become worn. The rubber seals may wear out over time, which causes them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. If you see signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window that has condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane before placing it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may be present. 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 much cheaper than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying you with local, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in doing double glazing repairs . All you have to do is enter your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of the seals in your frame has broken if you hear crackling noises or other odd sounds emanating from the double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is usually repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. However, more extensive damage may require the introduction of new window frames which is not something you should take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness inside your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because the warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good news is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Faults with double glazing are typically covered by a warranty, typically for a period of 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties be sure to check what yours covers before you begin work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.