15 Surprising Facts About Repairing Double Glazing

How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows Double glazing windows often come with warranties that cover them for up to 20 years. If you spot a problem, it's worth contacting the company who sold you the windows to learn what their policy on repairs is. In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are the most common issues and the best way to fix them. Broken Glass Double pane windows require a seal that is airtight to keep the inner and outer glass together. It is difficult to take out the glass pane that has broken without causing damage to the frame. This kind of damage can also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to fix it quickly and efficiently. Repairing cracked glass in double-glazed windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using a few materials and tools. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear protective gloves while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in acetone or rubbing alcohol to clean the the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue. Remove any remaining glazing points by using a putty blade. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame and the l-shaped space where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glass compound. Then, clean the old glass with a wirebrush and the new frame before installing 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 glass to hold it in position against the frame and close 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 type, use a blade to cut through the tape on both sides to remove the stop without causing damage to it. Once the stop is removed, place a strip of strong-hold tape to the surface of the glass pane to help prevent any further damage. Seals that leak If your double glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame may have failed. window repairs Harlow is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas has escaped out and the window is not performing as efficiently. This could result in costly heating bills since windows won't be as effective as they once were. Luckily, there are warning signs to look for to stop a drafty window from forming. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows when they are closed, the seal might have broken and needs sealing. There may also be condensation appearing on the glass, which is another indication that the seals are not working properly. The simplest way to eliminate a draught is to simply replace the seals around the frames. However, this is a difficult task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to have this work done in order to be able to use deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass. In some cases it is possible to fix your leaky double glazed windows by using silicone putty to cover the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not provide a high resistance to heat and it can leak again in the future. It's worth a shot when there aren't any alternatives available. It is not uncommon for the rubber seals around windows with double glazing to break over time. This could be due the aging process, environmental conditions or the way that your windows are installed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they first came out. A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is not performing to its best. A draught is likely to be felt at the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or wall. This is because the seal been breached, allowing air to get through. This can lead to damp patches appearing on the walls. Condensation Double glazing windows are a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. However, despite being durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to some. Condensation is a typical issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation isn't dealt with promptly, it could lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay. Condensation usually occurs in the morning as air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rise that causes condensation of water vapour on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea wipe away any visible condensation as quickly as you can to stop it from setting in. Condensation does not always mean a sign of a failing window seal. There are many other reasons why your double-glazed windows might leak. Over time, the rubber seals in a double glazed window may wear out. They may eventually break, which will then depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows fixed promptly when you notice signs of misting or condensation. To repair a double glazed window that has condensation A professional will take out the affected pane, before putting it back in place and then running hot air through the gap to remove any moisture that may remain. They will then apply an entirely new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and working in the way it should. Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper option than buying and installing new windows. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who can do the work. Checkatrade can help by supplying local, vetted and verified tradesmen who have experience carrying out double glazing repairs. You just need to type in your postcode, then select the type of tradesman you are looking for to get an overview. Frame Fragment Damage It's possible that one of the seals on your frame is damaged If you hear crackling sounds or other strange sounds coming from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep cold and water out of the insulating gap between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these replaced as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home. Fractures can break due to general wear and tear, or impact damage from pets or children. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace your window frames. This is something that you should not do unless you're skilled in the trades. A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could be due to a buildup of dirt and dust in the track or a structural issue like warping. This can be fixed with a little elbow grease and a gentle nudge depending on the degree of the damage. Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home and mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it is more likely to settle on surfaces like double or single glazed windows that aren't properly sealed. The good news is that you can repair these issues and, in most cases, it will be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a warranty usually for a period of 10 or 20 years, though some companies offer lifetime guarantees – always check the terms of your guarantee before you start work. Be sure to communicate with your company in writing, via email or letter, not sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you have to follow up with them about any issues that arise.