Double glazing windows often come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who sold you the windows to find out what their policy regarding repairs is.
Repairing your double-glazed windows can be an easy task in certain instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may cause the loss of energy efficiency which is why it is essential to repair double glazed windows the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.
Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be accomplished at home with a handful of materials and tools. To begin, you must remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After taking the broken glass off, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with the putty blade. After all glazing points are removed clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Then, you can prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the glass and frame are clean, a bit of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in place against the frame, and seal the gap between the frames.
Certain types of windows employ vinyl, aluminum or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are this kind, you can use a utility blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without damaging it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak, the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a very serious problem as it means all the thermally-insulating gas leaking out and your windows are losing efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills because windows won't be as efficient as they once were.
There are a few warning signs you can watch out for that will assist you in stopping drafty window from becoming a problem. If you feel a breeze blowing through your windows, even when they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require resealing. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to have this work done and they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.
In some cases you may be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows with a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution since it doesn't provide a high resistance to heat and could leak again in the future. But, it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.
It is not uncommon for the rubber seals that surround the double-glazed windows to fail over time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the manner in which your windows are set up. It is crucial to replace the seals as quickly as you can so that your double-glazed windows remain as efficient as they were when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a drafty double-glazed window. You will feel drafts around the edges of the frame, particularly where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air to get through. This can cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. They are durable and long-lasting but they still require maintenance.
One of the most frequent issues double glazed windows experience is condensation. Condensation is often the first sign that a window seal has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood.
Condensation occurs most often in the morning, when air temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This is the case for your windows. It's usually not a problem, but you should remove any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in.
But condensation isn't always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows that are double-glazed are prone to wear. They may eventually break, which in turn will cause the air gap to be compressed between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately if you notice any indications of condensation or misting.
To repair double glazed windows a double glazing window repairs-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and working exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in performing repairs double glazed windows to double glazing. All you have to do is type in your postcode along with the type of tradesmen you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is essential to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from entering your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear, or impact damage from children or pets. It is usually fixed with a simple repair double glazing windows like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which is not something you should take on yourself unless you are skilled tradesman.
A common double-glazing problem is that it is difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dust and dirt in 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 severity.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely to retain moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will be able to settle on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't sealed properly.
The good part is that you can solve these issues, and it will often be cheaper than replacing your entire window. Double-glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty that typically lasts for 10 or 20 years, but certain companies offer lifetime warranties and you should always verify what yours covers before you begin work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not text messages - this will make it easier if you need to follow-up with them regarding any issues that arise.