Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Ways Of Saying Repairing Double Glazing
How to Go About Repairing Double Glazing Windows
Many double-glazed windows come with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. If you spot problems you're looking to fix, contact the company who supplied the windows to find out what their policy on repairs is.
In some cases, repairing your double glazing can be a simple task. Here are a few of the most common problems that can be fixed.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows require an airtight seal to keep the inner and outer glass together. If one of the glass panes break it is difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the frame of the window. This kind of damage could also lead to an energy loss which is why it is essential to fix the crack quickly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, repairing damaged glass in double glazing windows is an easy task that can be completed at home using some tools and materials. To begin, take out any broken pieces that are loose from the glass. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective while doing so, as broken glass could contain dangerous fragments. Once the glass that has broken is removed, clean the area of the frame using a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any traces left by the adhesive used to fix the broken glass to the frame of the window.
Next, remove any remaining glazing points from the frame using a putty knife. Once all the glazing points are gone then clean the backside of the window frame as well as the l-shaped area where the window pane joins the frame to ensure they are free of any hardened glazing compound. Finally, prepare for the installation of a new pane of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the help of a wire brush. Once the frame and glass are clean, a little of glazier's putty may be applied to the edge of the new pane to hold it in place against the frame and close the gap between the frames.
Certain windows employ vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to support the glass instead of the glazier's points. If your double glazed windows are of this kind then you'll need use a utility knife to slice through the tape on both sides to remove the stop from the frame, without destroying it. Once the stop is removed, you can apply a strip of strong-hold tape on the outside of the glass pane to stop any further damage.
Leaking Seals
If your double glazed windows are leaking and the seals around the frame have probably failed. This is a serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaks out and windows are losing their efficiency. This could result in costly heating bills since windows aren't as effective as they once were.
Luckily, there are warning signs that you can look for to prevent a draughty window from forming. If you notice that your windows are noisy even when they're closed it could be due to the seal having broken and must be resealed. There may be condensation on the glass that is a sign that the seals have failed.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a difficult task that requires specialized tools to ensure that the window is not damaged glass. It is recommended to contact an experienced glass firm to perform this job, as they can use deglazing equipment to remove the seals that were previously used and not cause damage to the glass.
You may be able to repair double-glazed windows that leak by using silicone putty. This is not the best solution because it has poor heat resistance and can leak again. It is worth trying, if there are no alternatives available.
Double-glazed windows with rubber seals can fail over time. This could be due to age, environmental conditions, or the way the windows are constructed. It is essential to replace the seals as soon as you can to ensure your double-glazed windows remain as effective as when they were first put in place.
Double glazing that isn't performing well is usually evident by a draughty double glazed window. There will be an air draught at the frame's edges, especially where the frame is positioned to meet brickwork or surrounding wall. The seal has broken and air can be able to seep into. In some cases this may result in damp patches on the surrounding walls, but this isn't as common.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a fantastic choice for homeowners trying to reduce energy costs and improve their home's insulation. They last for a long time and are durable, but they still require maintenance.
Condensation is a frequent issue with double-glazed windows. It is often the first sign that the window repairs seal is failing. If the appearance of condensation isn't treated quickly, it could result in the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning, when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising and water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't anything to be concerned about, however it's a good idea to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to prevent it from setting in.
But it's not always a indicator of a failed seal and there are other causes why double-glazed windows may be leaking. Over time, the rubber seals in windows that are double-glazed can become worn. This can cause them to break, which in turn will depressurise the air gap between the glass panes. This is the reason it's vital to have your double-glazed windows repaired as soon as possible when you notice signs of condensation or misting.
A tradesman can repair a double-glazed window that has condensation by removing the affected pane, then putting it back into its place. They will then blow hot air through the gap in order to get rid of any moisture. They will then apply a new seal to ensure the gap remains airtight and functioning as it should be.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new ones. It is essential to find a reputable tradesperson who is able to complete the task. Checkatrade helps by supplying local, vetted and checked traders that are experienced in carrying out double glazing repairs (http://www.encoskr.com/). All you have to do is input your postcode as well as the kind of tradesperson you require to get a list of results.
Frame Fragment Damage
It's possible that one of your frame seals is broken when you hear crackling noises or other unusual sounds emanating from your double-glazed windows. These seals keep water and cold out of the insulating gap between glass panes, and it's vital to get them replaced as soon as you can to stop moisture getting into your home.
Fractures may break because of general wear and tear or damage caused by collisions with children or pets. It is often possible to fix the issue with an easy repair such as using silicone to fill in the gap or sanding the area. If the damage is more severe it may be necessary to replace the window frames. This is something that you should not attempt unless you're an experienced tradesman.
A common double glazing repairs near me-glazing problem is that it may be difficult to open or close. This could be because of a build-up of dust or dirt that has become stuck in the track, or it could be an indication that there is a structural issue such as the sash bending or Double glazing repairs warping frame. This can be easily fixed by using a bit of elbow grease and a gentle nudge, depending on the degree of the damage.
Moisture that is able to enter your home through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness, mould and condensation. This is due to the fact that warm air in your home is more susceptible to holding moisture than the cooler air outside, which means it can easily be absorbed by surfaces such as double or single-glazed windows that aren't properly sealed.
The good aspect is that these issues can be corrected and, in most cases, it's cheaper to do so than replacing your windows completely. Faults with double glazing are usually covered by a guarantee usually for a period of 10 to 20 years, though certain companies offer lifetime warranties - always check the coverage of your window prior to you start work. Always contact your company via email or letter, instead of text messages. This will make it easier to follow up on any issues that may arise.