How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be fixed. Draughts and water ingress are obvious signs of damage to the window frames. They must be fixed as quickly as possible.
Misting can also indicate that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and will stop condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent issues that double-glazed windows confront. Although double-pane windows are much harder to break than single-pane windows however, accidents can occur and you'll want to repair a damaged window as quickly as possible.
The first step to take is to get rid of any glass fragments that are loose that are still in the frame. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves when doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that have fallen off after the shards have been removed. It is also a good idea for you to remove any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
After the glass is removed then you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass into the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long process that requires the use of a few tools. This includes latex glazing putty; metallic glazing points; pliers; heat gun and a putty knife.
When removing the old glaze compound and points it is a good idea to start at the top of the sash, and work your way down. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to the tool. If you need to take off some of the wood from the sash, make use of a utility knife or a Chisel instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage.
After you've finished, be sure to remove any wood that is not sanded to smooth it. Once double glazing windows repairs is smooth you can apply the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer to protect it from future water damage.
You can make a few quick fixes to fix cracks in a double-pane window. But these fixes won't fix the problem and should be used as a temporary solution. Utilizing silicone caulk will aid in sealing the gap. However, it is important to use a high-quality caulk and the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you notice moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing, this means that your window seal has failed. This can be a problem because it stops the insulating air or gas from being trapped between the two panes of glass which means it cannot do its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations which can cause condensation to form.
A double glazing expert can fix this issue easily. The window company will take out the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then a new gasket is blown in to create an airtight seal to prevent condensation from occurring in the future. They'll also employ a drying agent to help dry the area and stop the condensation from recurring.
You might also notice a fog between glass panes in a double-glazed windows if the frame has moved over time. This could cause the seal to break. This could be a major issue as your windows will not work correctly and lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed Windows, this can be very expensive and is usually only needed when there are serious issues with a window that is beyond repair. However, if you've discovered an issue with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to have repaired for free or at a reduced cost.
Review your warranty's terms prior to making contact with the company to determine if they can resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by guarantees of between 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, they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
If your window handle is broken or difficult to open, it can be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. This can also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are many options to address this issue, but the best option is to speak with an uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the issue, they can usually fix it for you, or at least provide you with a new handle.
There are a number of different types of window locks. However, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. They lock using bayonet-style rods, which can easily become jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position and it will not return to the wedged locked position. This could be a difficult problem, but it can be resolved by following a few steps.
To resolve the issue, you will need to first remove the handle, which should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you will be aware of the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to attempt to grab the shoot bolts. If this is unsuccessful it is possible to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and window (the gap could be different on each end of the window) and then make a "u" shape with your hands to try to grab the shoot bolts.
If you are able to free up the bolts for shooting, you can close the window by adjusting the handle into the closed position. But, it will not be able to open again using the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts so the window can be opened by the handle (and will still be secure) However, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't working properly it is possible to repair or replace them. Whether this is due to the hinges being opened with too much force the hinge snapping and dropping or they were defective to begin with, it can cause problems that make it difficult to use your window. Thankfully the replacement of the hinge is simple and quick and there's no need to buy windows from scratch - you can simply get the old ones repaired instead.
First, you'll need to take off the hinges that are currently in place. This is done by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. After you've removed your hinges and replaced them with plywood boards 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 want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is filled completely and won't leak or become loose in the future.
After you've filled in the holes and put on the hinges, you will have to paint the doors. Make sure to employ a top-quality paint to ensure that it will last as long as possible. After the paint has dried it is possible to reattach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. Cleaning regularly the friction stay track and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives in order to shield them from the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as you can.
Double-glazed windows can help you reduce your heating bills, since it is more energy efficient than windows with a single glazing. However, like any other part of your home, windows can suffer from wear and tear and may require replacement or repair in time. If you're experiencing any of the signs that your double glazed windows aren't working properly and aren't working properly, you should have them examined by our experts in Preston.