How To Save Money On Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows

Double-glazed windows are often sold with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you find an issue, it's worth contacting the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy for repairs is.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Broken Glass

Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This type of damage can cause the loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to repair the crack as quickly and in a timely manner.

Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home using a few tools and materials. To begin, remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear gloves that are protected as broken glass can contain dangerous fragments. After removing the broken glass, use a dampened rag with alcohol or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will eliminate any adhesive residue.

Remove any remaining glazing points using a putty knife. After all the glazing points have been removed, 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 with an electric brush and the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edges of the new pane to hold it in position against the frame and close the gap between the frames.

Some types of windows use aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to hold the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need use a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to take the stop from the frame, without destroying the frame. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the glass's surface to protect the new glass to help prevent any further damage.

Leaking Seals

If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have likely failed. This is a major problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas being released and your windows are not performing as efficiently. This could cause you to spend more on heating because your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.

Luckily, there are some warning signs to look for to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are draughty even when they're closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be replaced. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals are failing.

The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to ensure that you don't damage the glass. It is recommended to seek out a professional glazing service to get this job done, as they will be able to use deglazing equipment to remove the old seals without damaging the glass.

In some cases, you might be able to repair your leaking double-glazed windows using silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't the most ideal solution as it has a poor resistance to heat and could leak again. But, glaze it's worthwhile if there is no other option available.

Double-glazed windows with rubber seals may fail as time passes. This can be due to the environment, age or the way that 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 first installed.

Double glazing that is not performing well is usually evident by a drafty double glazed window. A draft is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame, where it joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to seep in. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, although this isn't as common.

Condensation

Double-glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for homeowners who wish to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require regular maintenance from time to time.

Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the seal on the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed immediately, it can lead mold growth, and possibly wood rot.

Condensation usually occurs 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 not a major issue, but you should wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from forming.

Condensation does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are other reasons why double-glazed windows might leak. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows can wear out over time. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's important to get your double glazed windows fixed immediately when you notice indications of condensation or misting.

A tradesperson can fix a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to remove any moisture. They will then apply an additional seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.

Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It's important to find a trustworthy tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade makes this easy by supplying you with local, verified and checked traders that are experienced in performing repairs to double glazing near me glazing. All you need to do is enter your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get a list.

Frame Damage

If you hear crackling sound or other strange noises coming from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the frame seals has broken down. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between glass panes, so it's vital to get them replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your home.

Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when pets or children play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix by using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.

The most frequent issue with double-glazing is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a build-up of dust and dirt in the track or a structural problem like warping. It can be resolved by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, dependent on the severity.

The moisture that gets into your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause condensation, mould, and dampness. This is because warm air in your home is more susceptible to hold moisture than cooler outside air, Glaze so it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.

Fortunately, the good aspect is that these issues can be fixed and is usually cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a guarantee, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years however some companies offer lifetime warranties. Always check your guarantee prior to beginning work. Always contact your company via email, letter or fax instead of text message. This will allow you to follow up with any issues that may arise.