How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows need repair. Water infiltration or draughts that enter the frames are an obvious sign of damage to the window and should be repaired 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 problem, and will stop leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows face. Double pane windows are much harder to break than single-pane windows, accidents do happen and you will want to repair a broken window as soon as is possible.
The first step to take is to take out any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, because it is extremely sharp. Be sure to check the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. Also, it is recommended to search for any metal hooks that could be holding the panes together and take them out also.
Once the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that hold the glass into the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. This is a time-consuming procedure, and you'll need several tools to complete the task. This includes latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, a heat gun and a putty knife.
It is recommended to begin at the top and work your way downwards when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will help you avoid 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, employ a utility knife or a chipper instead of chemical strippers, which can cause damage.
When you're done, sand the bare wood. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear or linseed wood sealer. This will help protect it from future water damage.
You can make some quick solutions to repair cracks in a double-pane window. However, these solutions are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as a temporary solution. The use of silicone caulk can help to seal the gap. However it is essential to use high-quality caulk with proper application techniques.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it means that your window seal has failed. This can be a serious issue since it prevents insulating gas or air from being trapped between two panes.
A double glazing specialist can easily repair this problem. To fix the problem your window company will take off the window sash that is affected and IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing in a new gasket to make a strong and airtight seal to stop condensation from happening again. They'll also employ a drying agent to help dry the area and prevent the condensation from happening again.
You might also notice a fog between glass panes in a double-glazed windows in the event that the frame has moved over time. This could crack the seal. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace the panes of a double-glazed window however, it can be extremely expensive and is usually only necessary in the event of serious 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 an affordable cost.
It is worth checking the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to determine whether they are able to solve the issue without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they're able to repair the defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, they will likely send a professional to repair your double-glazed windows. They can usually do this quickly. This is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double-glazed windows and it's also better for the environment too!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a big issue if the handle of your window is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are a few solutions to address the issue however the most effective method is to call a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem, they can usually come and repair it for you, or at least provide you with a replacement handle.
There are a number of different kinds of window locks, however the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock, and they are very easy to seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it is unable to return to its wedged locked position. This could be a annoying issue, but it can be resolved by following a few steps.
To fix the problem, you will need to first remove the handle, which should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. After removing the handle, you will be able see the screws that attach the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed you can then make use of pliers or a wrench to try and grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this fails, you may need to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and window (the gap may be different on each end of the window) and create a "u" shape using your hands to try to grasp the bolts.
If you can manage to unblock the bolts that shoot, then you can close the window by moving the handle to a closed position. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is likely to be damaged and won't open when you pull the handle. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts which means that the window can be opened using the handle (and will still be secure) However, you'll have to purchase an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly and smoothly, you might need to replace or repair them. If this is because of the hinges being opened with too much force, the hinge snapping and dropping or if they were defective at the beginning, it can cause problems that make it difficult to use your window. It's easy to fix the hinge, which means you don't have to purchase new windows.
First, you'll need to take off the hinges that are currently in place. This is accomplished by removing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. Once the hinges have been removed then you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the correct size. Make sure the plywood is more robust than the original board to ensure it is able to support the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is completely filled and will not leak or loosen in the near future.
After you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll need to paint them. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure that it will last for as long as is possible. After misted double glazing repairs has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can ensure they last longer by regularly cleaning the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them from the elements. This will help prevent rusting and keep them looking great 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, just like every other component of your home, windows will show wear and tear and could require replacement or repair in time. If you're noticing any indications that your double glazed windows are struggling to operate, it's worth getting them looked at by our experts in Preston.