Repair Double Glazed Windows: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

There are a few telltale indications that your double glazed windows require repairs. Obviously, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious sign of damage to the window and should be repaired in the shortest time possible.

Misting can also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing your window seals can solve the issue, and prevent leaks, draughts, or condensation.

Broken Panes

One of the most frequent problems with double-glazed windows is broken glass. Double-pane windows are less difficult to break than single panes, however accidents do occur. It is important to repair the broken glass as soon as you can.

The first step is to take out any glass shards that are not completely removed that are still in the frame. Don't forget to wear eye protection and gloves while doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. Once the shards have been removed, inspect the floor of your home for additional loose pieces. It is also a good idea for you to remove any metal hooks holding the panes together.

After the glass is removed and the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires the use of a few tools. This includes latex glazing putty; metal glazing points; pliers; heat gun and a putty knife.

It's best to begin at the top and work your way downwards as you remove the old points and glazing compound. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to your tool. Also, if you end up removing some of the sash's wood, ensure that you employ a chisel or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper as this can cause damage.

After you've finished ensure that you sand any bare wood to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will shield it from water and further damage.

You can make a few quick fixes to repair cracked double pane windows. However, these solutions are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as an interim solution. The use of silicone caulk can help to seal the gap. However it is crucial to use high-quality caulk with proper application methods.

Condensation

If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it means that one of your windows has a broken seal. This can be a serious issue as it stops the gas or air that acts as an insulation from getting trapped between the two panes.

Fortunately, this issue can be easily repaired by a double glazing expert. To fix the problem the window repair professional will take off the window sash that is affected and IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing in a new gasket. This will make a strong and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also use drying agents to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from recurring.

The other reason why you may notice mist between the glass panes of windows with double glazing is because the frame has moved over time, which can break the crucial seal. This can be a huge issue as windows that are not functioning effectively and lose energy efficiency.

Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed Window however, it can be extremely expensive and is normally only required if there are severe issues with the window that are beyond repair. If you're experiencing problems with your double-glazed window and are still in the warranty period, you might be able to repair it for free or at a reduced price.

Check your warranty terms before calling the company to find out whether they can solve the issue without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by warranties of between 10 and 20 years, so you might find they are able to repair faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double glazed windows and will usually be able to do so quickly.  local double glazing repair  is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double-glazed windows and it's also more sustainable for the environment as well!

Broken Locks & Handles

When your window handle is broken or difficult to open, it could be a huge issue as it prevents you from using your windows. It could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your home. There are a variety of options to fix it but the best option is to speak with an uPVC expert. They can repair the problem for you, or at the very least provide you with a replacement handle.

There are many different kinds of window locks, but the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods to lock and these can easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it won't return to the wedged lock position. This could be a frustrating problem, but can be solved by following a few simple steps.

To fix the problem you must first take off the handle, which should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. After removing the handle you'll be able to see the screws that attach the lock to frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try and grab the shoot bolts. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may differ between the two windows) and then make an "u" shape using your hand to grab 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. However, it won't open again with the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, so the window can be opened with the handle (and it will remain secure) however, you'll need to order the new handle and gearbox.

Broken Hinges

If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be due to them being opened with too much force the hinge snapping and dropping or they had a fault to begin with the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. It's easy to replace the hinge, which means you don't have to buy new windows.

Remove the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that secure the frame to the hinges. After you've removed your hinges you can replace them with plywood boards that are cut to the right size. The plywood should be thicker than the original to support the weight of the window when it is opened and closed. Use wood filler to make sure the hole left behind by the old hinge will not leak or loosen.

After you've filled holes and replaced the hinges, you will require painting the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. After the paint has dried it is possible to reattach the window. Tighten any screws that are loose.

Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. You can make them last longer by regularly cleaning the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, which will help to stop rust and keep them looking good for as long as is possible.

Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed windows and can help you save money on heating. Like every other component of your home, your windows will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If you're seeing any of the signs that your double-glazed windows are struggling to operate it's worth having them looked at by our experts in Preston.