How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If double glazing Twickenham find a problem you're looking to fix, contact the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy for repairs.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing is a simple task. Here are the most frequently encountered issues and the best way to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It is difficult to take out a broken glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and correctly.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy job that can be done at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Be sure to wear protective gloves while doing so, as any broken glass may contain dangerous shatterings. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag that has been dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points have been removed and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped space between where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame using the use of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's glue can be applied to the edge of the new pane to keep it in place against the frame, and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some types of windows use vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this type, you will need to use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of the new pane of window to avoid further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious issue because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could mean you pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
There are some warning signs you can watch for to assist you in stopping drafty window from forming. If you notice a breeze blowing through your windows when they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require sealing. You may also notice condensation forming on the glass which is another indication that seals are failing.
To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. This is a challenging task that requires specialized tools to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company to complete the work in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases, you might be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This is not the best option because it lacks resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other options.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the way in which the 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 effective as they were when they were first put in.
A draughty window is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. You'll feel an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame joins the brickwork or wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to get through. In some cases, this can lead to damp patches on the surrounding walls, though this is less common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and improve their home's insulation. They are durable and last a long time however they require regular maintenance.
Condensation is a common problem with double-glazed windows. Condensation is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood rot.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise which causes water vapour to form. This includes your windows and isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from setting in.
Condensation isn't always an indication of a failed window seal. There are other reasons why your double-glazed windows could leak. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows may wear out over time. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of condensation or misting, it is important to get your double-glazed windows fixed immediately.
A tradesperson can fix double-glazed windows that have condensation by taking off the affected pane and then putting it back into the correct position. They will then run hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. 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 a lot less expensive than purchasing and installing new ones. It's important to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help you find local verified, vetted, and inspected traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you have to do is type in your postcode and the type of tradesman you need to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other strange sounds coming from the double-glazed windows. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as you can to prevent moisture from entering your home.
Fractures can break due to general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with pets or children. This is often repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you're skilled in the trades.
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 issue 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 is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould and dampness. This is because the warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it will easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter, not a text message - this will make things easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.