Many double-glazed windows come with a guarantee that lasts for 20 years. If you do spot an issue, it's best to check with the company you bought them from to see what their policy is regarding repairs.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy task. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to fix them.Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to hold the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage may also lead to an energy loss which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, fixing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a simple job that can be accomplished at home with some tools and materials. To begin, remove any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After the broken glass has been removed, clean the area of the frame with a rag that has been dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left behind by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame.
Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with 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 area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. After the glass and frame are clean, a little of glazier's putty can be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap 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 to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. After the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.
Seals that leak
If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a serious issue since it means that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This can lead you to pay more for heating as your windows are not as efficient as they were previously.
There are some warning signs you can watch for that can help you prevent a drafty window from developing. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed It could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass which is another sign that the seals are not working properly.
The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to contact an expert glass company to complete this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals and damage the glass.
It is possible to repair double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This isn't the best solution as it does not have good heat resistance and is susceptible to leaks in the future. However, it's worth trying if you have no other options.
It is not uncommon to see the rubber seals around your double glazed windows to break over time. This could be caused by the aging process, environmental conditions or the manner in which the windows are constructed. When this happens it is crucial to have the seals replaced immediately to ensure that your double-glazed windows are as effective as they were when they were first put in.
Double glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a draughty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt around the edges of the frame where it joins the brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. This could cause damp patches to appear on the walls.
Condensation
Double-glazing windows are an excellent option for homeowners who want to cut down on energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time.
One common problem that 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 dealt with promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation typically occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows. It's not usually a problem, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading.
However, it's not always the indicator of a failed seal and there are other reasons why your double-glazed windows might be misting up. Over time the seals made of rubber on a double glazed window may wear out. This could cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazing windows repairs glazed windows fixed promptly if you notice any signs of condensation or misting.
To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the damaged pane prior to placing it back in place and running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should.
Repairing your double glazing windows repairs-glazed windows is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing new windows. It's important to find a reliable tradesman who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade assists you by offering local verified, vetted, and inspected tradesmen who are skilled in the repair of double glazing. All you have to do is enter your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to receive a list of results.
Frame Damage
If you notice crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double glazed window repairs-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of injuries sustained by impact, for example when pets or children play. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames which isn't something you want to take on yourself 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 build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural issue such as warping. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that gets in through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home, and mold and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler outside air, so it is more likely to be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven't been properly sealed.
The good news is that you can fix these problems and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for 10 or 20 year however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to verify your warranty before you start work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, by email or letter rather than a text message - this will make it easier if you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.