Now That You've Purchased Repairing Double Glazing ... Now What?
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 a problem it's worth checking with the company you bought the windows from to determine what their policy is regarding repairs. Repairing your double glazing can be a simple process in some cases. Here are the most frequent issues and the best way to repair them. Broken Glass Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal in order to keep the inner and outer glass in place. It is difficult to take out a damaged glass pane without causing damage to the frame. This type of damage may also lead to a loss in energy efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to repair it quickly and correctly. Repairing broken glass in double-glazed windows is a straightforward job that can be done at home with just a few tools and materials. To start take off any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective while doing this, as broken glass could contain dangerous shatterings. After removing the broken glass, make use of a dampened rag soaked in alcohol or rub alcohol to clean the area around the frame. This will remove any adhesive residue. Remove double glazing repair Basingstoke remaining glazing points using a putty blade. After all glazing points are removed then clean the backside as well as the an l-shaped space inside the window frame. Clean the old glass with a wirebrush and then clean the new frame prior to putting in the new pane. Once the frame and glass are clean, a small amount 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. Certain kinds of windows utilize aluminum, vinyl or wood stops to keep the glass in place, instead of glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind, you will need to employ a utility knife to cut through the tape on both sides in order to remove the stop from the frame without ruining it. After the stop has been removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape to the outside of the new pane of glass to help prevent any further damage. Leaking Seals If your double-glazed windows leak and the seals around the frame may have failed. This is a serious issue as it indicates that all the thermally insulating gas is leaking out and your window is losing efficiency. This can result in expensive heating bills since windows aren't as efficient as they once were. Luckily, there are warning signs to look out for to help keep a drafty window from forming. If you notice a slight breeze passing through your windows even though they are closed, the seal could have been damaged and require sealing. There may be condensation on the glass this is a sign that the seals have failed. To stop drafts, replace the seals on the frames. However it is a challenging task that requires special tools to avoid damaging the glass. It is recommended to get in touch with a professional glazing firm to complete the work and they will be able to use deglazing tools to remove the old seals without damaging the glass. It is possible to fix your double-glazed windows that leak with silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor resistance to heat and could leak again. However, it is worth trying if you have no other option available. Rubber seals around double-glazed windows may fail in time. This could be caused by environmental conditions, age or the way in which your windows are set up. If this occurs 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 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 an air draught at the frame's edges, where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or the wall. The seal has broken and air is able to get in. This could lead to damp patches appearing on the walls. Condensation Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and increase the insulation of their homes. They are durable and last a long time but they do require some maintenance. Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. The appearance of condensation is usually the first sign that the seal of the window has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to mold growth, and possibly wood mold and even wood. Condensation is usually seen in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This is the case for your windows. It's not a major issue, but it is important to wipe off any visible condensation as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading. But condensation isn't always the sign of a failing seal, and there are many other reasons your double glazed windows may be leaking. Seals made of rubber on double-glazed windows wear out over time. The rubber seals wear down over time, leading them to break. This will depressurize the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to get your double glazed windows fixed as soon as possible if you notice any signs of condensation or misting. A tradesman can fix double-glazed windows that are prone to condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back in its place. They will then run hot air through the gap to eliminate any moisture. Then they will apply a new seal in order to keep the gap airtight. Repairing your double-glazed windows can be a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. But it's also important to find a reputable tradesman to do the work. Checkatrade helps you by providing local, vetted, and checked traders who are experienced in double glazing repairs. All you need to do is enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman that you are looking for to receive the list. Frame Fragment Damage If you hear crackling sound or other odd noises emanating from your double-glazed windows, it's likely that one of the frame seals has failed. The seals keep cold water out of the gaps between the glass panes. It is important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent moisture from entering your home. Fractures that crack could be caused by wear and tear or due to impact damage such as when children or pets play. This can often be repaired with a simple fix like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the introduction of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on yourself unless you're an experienced tradesman. A common issue with double-glazing is that it can be difficult to open or close. This could result from a buildup of dust and dirt within the track or a structural problem such as warping. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a bit of elbow grease and a gentle push. Moisture that gets in through damaged double glazed windows could cause dampness in your home, as well as mould and condensation. This is because warm air inside your home is more prone to hold moisture than cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double glazing or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed. Fortunately, the good part is that these issues can be corrected, and it's often cheaper than replacing your windows entirely. Double glazing problems are usually covered by a guarantee usually for 10 or 20 years, although certain companies offer lifetime warranties – always check what yours covers before you start working. Always contact your company by email, letter or fax instead of text messages. This will allow you to follow up on any issues that might arise.