How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you find a problem it's worth checking with the company you purchased the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs. Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them. Broken Glass Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the glass's outer and inner parts together. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without damaging the frame. This type of damage can also result in an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and properly. Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home using a few tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shards. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any traces left behind by the glue used to secure the broken glass to the frame. Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed then 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. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame before installing the new pane. After the frame has been cleaned and dry, apply a small amount of glazier's glue to the edge of the glass to secure it against the frame. Some windows use aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are of this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the exterior of your new pane of window to prevent further damage. Leaking Seals If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a very serious problem because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could mean you spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they once were. Luckily, there are warning signs you should look for to keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren't draughty when they're closed it could be due to the seal having been damaged and requires to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals are failing. The easiest way to get rid of a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. But, this is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended that you get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass. In certain cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the best option because it lacks heat resistance and can leak again. It's worth a shot when there aren't any alternatives available. Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail in time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the manner in which your windows are set up. It is important to replace the seals as soon as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they first came out. A draughty window is often the first sign that your double glazing isn't performing as it should. A draught will likely be felt around the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. The seal has failed and air can be able to seep into. In some instances, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is not the norm. Condensation Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance. One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't dealt with quickly, it may cause the growth of mould and eventually wood decay. Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise and condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to remove any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from setting in. Condensation does not always mean an indication of a failed window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows may wear down over time. This can cause them to break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you observe signs of condensation or misting it is crucial to get your double-glazed windows replaced immediately. To repair a double-glazed window with condensation, a tradesman will remove the affected pane before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working exactly as it should. It is important to note that repairing your double glazed windows can be a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new windows. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to carry out the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local certified, vetted and verified tradesmen who are skilled in double glazing repairs . All you need to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of 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 your double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home. Fractures can crack due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. This is often repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more extensive and extensive, you may have to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're an experienced tradesman. Another common problem with 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 issue such as warping. It can be resolved with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge dependent on the extent of the issue. Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly. Fortunately, the good news is that these problems can be repaired and is usually less expensive than replacing your windows completely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee before you begin work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax rather than text message. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that may arise.
double glazing repairs
