How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are several tell-tale indications that your double glazed windows require repairs. Draughts and water ingress are obvious signs of damage to the frames of the windows. They should be repaired as soon as is possible.
However, misting may be an indication that your window seals need replacing. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and will stop leaks, draughts or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most frequent problems with double-glazed windows is broken glass. Although double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane ones However, accidents do happen and you will want to repair a broken window as soon as is possible.
The first step is to get rid of any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves while removing the glass because it could be extremely sharp. Once the shards are removed, check the floor of your home for additional loose pieces. It is also recommended to remove any metal hooks holding the panes together.
Once the glass is removed then you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long process that requires the use of a few tools. You'll need latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers, a heatgun and a putty blade.
When removing the old glaze compound and points, it's best 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're looking to remove a portion of the wood from the sash make use of an utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers, which could cause damage.
When you're done then sand the wood. Once it is smooth then you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few quick fixes you can attempt for a cracked double-pane window, but these methods will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can aid in sealing the gap, but you need to make sure that you use a high-quality caulk that is applied using the proper methods.
Condensation
If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing, this means that your window seal has failed. This could be a problem because it prevents gas or the insulating air from being trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job effectively and can lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming.
A double glazing expert can easily repair this problem. Your window contractor will remove the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then a new gasket will be blown in to create an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They will also employ a drying agent 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 a double-glazed window is that the frame has moved over time, which causes cracks in the crucial seal. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and will lose energy efficiency.
It is possible to change a double-glazed window's panes, but this can be expensive and is usually only necessary when the window is beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed window but are still within the warranty period, you might be able to repair it for free or at a reduced price.
It is worth checking the conditions of your warranty prior to you call the company to find out whether they can resolve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find they are able to repair damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the situation they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double-glazed windows. They usually can accomplish this in a short time. This is a much cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows, and it's more sustainable for the environment as well!
double glazing repair near me & Handles
If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it could be a major issue since it prevents you from using your windows. This could also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are a variety of ways to fix it, but the best way is to speak with a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem they will usually be able to come and repair it for you, or at least provide you with a replacement handle.
There are several types of window lock, but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks that are commonly found on uPVC frames. They lock using rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it is unable to return to the wedged lock position. This can be a frustrating problem, but can be resolved with a few easy steps.
To resolve the issue to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle. This should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you should then be in a position to see the screws holding the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you can try to grab the bolts using the help of a wrench or a pair pliers. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may be different at each end of the windows) and make an "u" shape with your fingers to grasp the bolts.
You can close your window by moving the handle to the closed position if able to free the bolts that shoot. But, it will not open again with the handle, since the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. You can replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window will still be opened by the handle.
Broken Hinges
It could be necessary to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they're not operating properly. It could be due to them having been opened by too much force, the hinge dropping and snapping or they had a fault at the beginning, it can cause problems that make it difficult to use your window. Thankfully, replacing the hinge is easy and quick and there's no need to buy windows from scratch instead, you can get the old ones repaired instead.
First, you'll need to remove the existing hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After you've removed your hinges and replaced them with plywood boards that are cut to the proper size. The plywood should be thicker than the original to 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 will not leak or loosen in the future.
Once you've replaced the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need to paint them. Use a quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. You can make them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use a wood preservative to protect them from the elements, which can help to stop rust and maintain their appearance for as long as is possible.
Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows and can save you money on heating. As with any part of your home windows will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If you're experiencing any indications that your double glazed windows aren't working properly it's worth having them examined by our experts in Preston.
