How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that protect them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it’s a good idea to contact the company who sold you the windows to find out what their policy on upvc repairs is.
In some instances, fixing your double glazing is an easy job. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be resolved.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the outer and inner glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window replacement. This type of damage may result in a decrease in energy efficiency. It is therefore important to repair it quickly and properly.
It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward task that can be completed at home with a few tools and materials. To begin, you must remove all loose pieces of broken glass. Wear protective gloves since broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. After getting rid of the broken glass use a dampened rag and alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. After all glazing points have been removed then clean the backside as well as the the l-shaped area of the window frame. Finally, prepare to install a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to fix it to the frame.
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 type, 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 outside of the glass pane to prevent further damage.
Seals that leak
The seals around the frame are likely to be defective if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious problem because it means that all the thermally-insulating gas is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills as your windows will not be as efficient as they were.
Luckily, there are some warning signs you should be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows aren’t draughty when they’re closed, it could be due to the seal having broken and needs to be resealed. You might also notice condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
The easiest way to eliminate a draught is to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. You should contact an experienced glass company to do this task, since they can use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
In certain situations you may be able to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This is not an ideal solution as it does not have good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It’s worth a shot when there aren’t any alternatives available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can break in time. This could be due to the environment, age or the way the windows are put in place. It is essential to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be the same as they were when they were first installed.
A window that is draughty is usually the first sign that your double glazing isn’t performing as it should. You’ll feel a draught around the frame’s edges, where the frame joins the brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to be able to seep into. In certain cases this could result in damp patches appearing on walls, but this is not the norm.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are an excellent choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. But despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time some.
One of the most frequent issues windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal is failing. If condensation isn’t addressed promptly, it could lead to mould growth and even to wood decay.
Condensation occurs most often in the mornings when temperatures rise and humidity levels rise and water vapour begins to form. This includes your windows. It isn’t something to be concerned about, however it’s a good idea to clean any visible condensation as quickly as you can in order to prevent it from spreading.
But condensation isn’t always the indicator of a failed seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows might be misting up. Rubber seals on double-glazed windows get worn out over time. This can cause them to break, which will then reduce the air gap between the glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to have your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working exactly as it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. However, it is essential to find a reputable tradesman to complete the task. Checkatrade can help by supplying you with local, vetted and checked tradesmen who are skilled in carrying out double glazing Upvc repairs near me. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other unusual noises from your double-glazed windows, it’s a sign that one of the frame seals has been damaged. The seals keep cold water out of the gap between the glass panes. It is crucial to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from getting into your home.
Cracking in the frames can be caused by general wear and tear or as a result of collision damage, such as when pets or children play. Often this can be remedied with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill the crack or sanding down the area. If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace your window frames. This is something is not something you should attempt unless you’re a skilled tradesman.
Another issue with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or warping frame. Depending on the severity, this could be a simple issue to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters your home through damaged double-glazed windows could cause dampness, mould and upvc repairs Near Me condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, upvc repairs Near me and so it will easily settle on surfaces like double glazing or single-glazed windows that haven’t been properly sealed.
Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be fixed and, in most cases, it’s cheaper to do so than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are typically covered by a warranty usually for 10 or 20 years, but some companies offer lifetime guarantees – always check the coverage of your window prior to you begin work. Be sure to contact your company in writing, by mail or email, rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them about any issues that arise.