How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few indicators that indicate your double-glazed windows require to be repaired. Draughts and water ingress are obvious indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They must be fixed as soon as is possible.
However, misting could be a sign that your window seals are in need of replacing. Replacing your window seals will solve the issue, and prevent leaks, draughts or condensation.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most common problems that double-glazed windows have to face. Double-pane windows are harder to break than single panes, but accidents do happen. You should repair a broken glass as soon as possible.
Get rid of any glass fragments that might be in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves when removing the glass, because it is extremely sharp. After the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. It is also an excellent idea to remove any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
Once the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass in the frame of the window), and replace them with new ones. It is a long-winded procedure and requires a few tools to accomplish the task. These include latex glazing putty, metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun and a putty knife.
It's best to start at the top and work your way downwards as you remove the old points and glazing compound. This will keep any wood or paint that is removed from the sash from adhering to your tool. If you do end up removing a portion of the sash's wood make sure you use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper because this could cause damage.
After that you can sand the wood. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few easy solutions you can try to repair a damaged double-pane window however, these methods will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. Utilizing silicone caulk will help seal the gap. However it is crucial to use a high-quality caulk and proper application methods.
Condensation
If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes, this means that the window seal has failed. This could be a cause for concern because it prevents the gas or air that is used to insulate from being trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job correctly and this can cause temperature fluctuations that result in condensation forming.
A double glazing expert can fix this issue easily. To fix the problem the window repair professional will take out the affected window sash and IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing into a new gasket to create a strong and airtight seal that will stop condensation from happening again. They will also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from recurring.
Another reason you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the framework has moved slightly over time, which breaks the all-important seal. This can be a problem since it means that your windows won't work correctly and will lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed window however, it can be extremely expensive and is normally only required when there are serious problems with the window that is beyond repair. However, if you've discovered the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to have it fixed for free or at least at a reduced cost.
It's a good idea to check the conditions of your warranty prior to you call the company to find out whether they are able to resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by warranties ranging from 10 and 20 years, so you may find that they're able to repair the faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to fix your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new double glazed windows, and it's better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a big problem if your window handle is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able to use your windows. This could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your house. There are a few options to fix it, but the best way is to contact a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem, they can usually come and repair it for you or at the very least, provide you with an alternative handle.
There are many different kinds of window locks, but the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods to lock and these are able to easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position, and it is unable to return to the wedged locked position. This can be a frustrating issue, but it can be fixed by following a few simple steps.
To fix the issue, you'll need to remove the handle. This can be done easily enough using the help of a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you should then be aware of the screws that secure the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try and grab the bolts for the shoot. If this fails then you can put the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may differ between the two windows) and create an "u" shape with your hand to grab the bolts.
If you are able to free up the shoot bolts, then you can close the window by moving the handle to the closed position. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is probably faulty, so it will not open by the handle. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts so the window can be opened using the handle (and will still be secure) However, you'll require an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It could be necessary to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't operating properly. local double glazing repair could be that the window was opened too vigorously or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a flaw. Fortunately, replacing the hinge is simple and quick, so there's no need to buy windows from scratch - you can simply get your old windows repaired instead.
Remove the hinges. This is accomplished by removing the screws that attach the hinges to the frame. After you've removed the hinges and replaced them with plywood boards cut to the proper dimensions. The plywood should be more dense than the hinges that came with it to help support the weight when the window is closed and opened. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left by the hinge of the past will not leak or loosen.
After you've filled holes and replaced hinges, you'll need to paint the doors. Make sure to apply a high-quality paint to ensure that it will last as long as possible. Once the paint has dried and you are able to attach the window again. Make sure you tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can help them last longer by regularly cleaning the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and keep them looking great for the longest time you can.
Having a double glazed window can help you save money on heating costs, because it's more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. But, just like any other part of your home, windows will show wear and tear and might require replacement or repair in time. Our Preston experts can assist you if there are indications that the double-glazed windows you have aren't functioning properly.