Repair Double Glazed Windows: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few indicators that indicate your double-glazed windows need to be fixed. Draughts and water ingress are obvious indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They should be repaired as soon as is possible.
The misting could also mean that the window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals can fix the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows have to face. While double pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane windows however, accidents can occur and you'll need to repair a damaged window as quickly as possible.
Remove any loose glass fragments that might be inside the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be sharp. Be sure to check the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards have been removed. It is also an excellent idea to search for any hooks made of metal that may be keeping the panes in place and remove them also.
Once the glass is removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass into the window frame), and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires some tools. This includes 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 down as you remove the old points and glazing compound. This will keep any paint or wood that is left in the sash from sticking to your tool. If you're looking to take off some of the wood from the sash make use of a utility knife or a chipper instead of chemical strippers, which can cause damage.
After you're done you can sand the wood. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will shield it from water and further damage.
There are a few simple fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window, but these methods are not a solution to the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. The use of a silicone caulk may aid in sealing the gap, but it's important to ensure that you use a high-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you notice moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it means that the window seal isn't working. This could be a cause for concern because it stops gas or the insulating air from being trapped between the two panes of glass, so it won't do its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations that result in condensation forming.
A double glazing specialist can easily repair this problem. Your window repair professional will take off the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then, a new gasket will be blown in to form an airtight seal, preventing condensation from occurring in the future. They'll also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from happening again.
You may also notice mist between glass panes in a double-glazed windows if the frame has moved over time. This can break the seal. This can be a huge issue, since your windows will not work properly and lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed Windows, this can be very expensive and is typically only required when there are serious problems with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted a fault in your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to get it fixed for free or at a lower cost.
Review your warranty's terms prior to contacting the company to determine whether they can solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically have warranties of between 10 and 20 years. It is possible that the company can repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and are usually in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it can be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It could also give burglars a chance to gain entry into your home. There are double glazing repair to address the issue however the most effective method is to contact a uPVC expert. They will be able to fix the issue for you, or at the very least offer you a new handle.
There are a number of different types of window locks, however the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock and these are able to easily seize up. If this happens, the handle's nose is stuck in the popped out position, and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This could be a annoying issue, but it is able to be resolved by following a few steps.
To fix the issue you must first take off the handle, which should be done with the help of a screwdriver. After removing the handle you will be able see the screws that secure the lock to frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to try and grab the shoot bolts. If this fails it is possible to insert the tool through the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different on each end of the window) and create a "u" shape with your hands to try to grasp the bolts.
You can close your window by moving the handle back to its closed position if you are able to free the bolts for shooting. But, it will not be able to open again using the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. It is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts so that the window can still be opened with the handle.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't working properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. If this is because of them being opened with too much force the hinge snapping or dropping or they were defective at the beginning the issue could cause issues that make it difficult to use your window. Luckily, replacing the hinge is simple and quick and there's no need to buy windows from scratch instead, you can get your old ones fixed instead.
First, you'll need take off the hinges that are currently in place. To do this, loosen the screws that hold the frame to the hinges. Once the hinges have been removed then you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the proper size. The plywood should be thicker than the hinges that came with it to help support the weight of the window when it is closed and opened. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled completely and will not leak or loosen in the near future.
After you've filled in the holes and put on the hinges, you will require painting the doors. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. Once the paint is dry and you are able to reattach the window. Tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. Regularly cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will ensure they last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives in order to shield them against the elements. This will stop corrosion and keep them looking great for the longest time you can.
Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows and can save you money on heating. However, like any other aspect of your home, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and might need repairing or replacing as time passes. If you're noticing any of the signs that your double glazed windows aren't functioning properly and aren't working properly, you should have them checked by our experts in Preston.