How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows Double glazing windows typically come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem it's worth checking with the company that you bought windows from to find out what their policy is on repairs. Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in certain instances. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to fix them. Broken Glass Double pane windows depend on a seal that is air tight to keep the outer and inner glass together. If one of the glass panes break it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage may also result in a loss of energy efficiency and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack quickly and correctly. It is a good thing that repairing cracked glass in double glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with some tools and materials. To do so, first, remove any loose bits of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, wipe the frame of the frame using a rag dampened with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue left by the adhesive that was used to attach the broken glass to the frame of the window. Then, you can remove any remaining glazing points from the frame with a putty knife. Once all glazing points have been removed, clean the backside and an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass using a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to installing the new pane. Once the frame is clean and dry, apply a small amount glazier’s putty to the edge of the glass to ensure it is secured against the frame. Some windows utilize aluminum, wood, or vinyl stops to support the glass instead of glaziers' points. If your double-glazed windows are made of this type you'll need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame without damaging it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the surface of the new pane of glass to stop any further damage. Seals that leak The seals around the frame are likely be damaged if double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has leaked out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills because windows won't be as effective as they once were. Luckily, there are some warning signs to be aware of to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when closed it could be because the seal has been damaged and requires to be resealed. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another sign that the seals are failing. The simplest way to eliminate a draught is simply to replace the seals around the frames. This is a complicated task that requires specialized tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended that you contact a professional glazing company 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 it is possible to fix your leaky 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 it can leak again in the future. It's worth a shot in the event that there are no other options. It is not unusual for the rubber seals that surround your double glazed windows to wear out over time. This could be due to 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 in order to ensure your double-glazed windows will be as efficient as they were when they were first installed. double glazing repairs near me glazing that is not working properly is usually spotted by a drafty double-glazed window. A draught will likely be felt along the edges of the frame, at the point where it joins brickwork or the wall. This is because the seal has been breached, allowing air to be able to seep through. In some instances this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this is less common. Condensation Double glazing windows are a fantastic option for homes that are seeking to reduce their energy bills and increase the insulation of their homes. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they require periodic maintenance from time time. Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is often the first indication that the window's seal has failed. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could cause the growth of mould and eventually wood mold and even wood. Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising, which causes condensation to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from forming. Condensation does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why double-glazed windows may mist up. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window are prone to wear. The rubber seals may wear down over time, which causes them to break. This can depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is why it's crucial to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly in the event that you observe any signs of condensation or misting. To fix a double-glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane before installing it and running hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture that might remain. They will then apply a new seal to keep the gap airtight and functioning in the way it should. It is important to remember that fixing your double-glazed windows can be a lot cheaper than buying and installing new ones. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to complete the task. Checkatrade can help you find local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in the repair of double glazing. You just need to type in your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are seeking to find a list. Frame Damage If you notice crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's most likely that one of the seals on your frame has failed. These seals keep cold water out of the space between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as you can to stop moisture from entering your home. Cracking in the frames can result from wear and tear or due to injuries sustained by impact, for example when children or pets play. It is often possible to fix the issue with a simple fix, like using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding down the area. However, more severe damage could require the installation of new window frames, which isn't something you want to take on your own unless you're skilled tradesman. Another issue that is common to double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This could be because of an accumulation of dirt or dust that has become stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue, such as the sash becoming warped or a frame. Depending on the severity, this may be easy to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push. Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows can lead to dampness in your home, and mold and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely retain moisture than cooler air outside, 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 repair these issues and it can be less expensive than replacing your entire window. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees - always check what yours covers before you begin work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, either by email or letter, not text messages - this will make things easier in the event that you need to follow-up with them about any issues that arise.
double glazing repairs near me
