How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct signs that your double glazed windows require repair. Water ingress and draughts are clear indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They should be repaired as quickly as 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 issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. While double pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane ones However, accidents do happen and you will want to fix a broken window as soon as you can.
The first step to take is to take out any glass fragments that are loose that remain in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when you remove the glass as it can be very sharp. Once the shards have been removed, inspect the floor of your home for other pieces that are loose. Also, it's an excellent idea to look for any metal hooks that may be holding the panes together and remove them too.
Once the glass is removed, you will have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires the use of a few tools. You will require latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers, an electric heat gun, and a putty blade.
When removing the old glaze compound and points It's best to start at the top of the sash, and move down. This will stop any paint or wood that is left in the sash from sticking to the tool. Also, if you end up removing a portion of the sash's wooden pieces, be sure to use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper as this can cause damage.
After you've finished make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once it's smooth, you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few simple fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window however, these methods will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. The use of a silicone caulk may help seal the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk that is applied using the proper techniques.
Condensation
If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it's a sign that one of your windows has a broken seal. This could be a major issue since it prevents gas or air that is used to insulate getting trapped between the two panes.
Fortunately, this can be fixed by an expert in double glazing. Your window contractor will remove both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then the gasket is blown in to form an airtight seal to prevent condensation from occurring in the future. They will also use a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and stop the condensation from happening again.
Another reason you may notice mist between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the framework has moved slightly over time, which breaks the all-important seal. This can be a major issue as it means that your windows will not function correctly and will lose their energy efficiency.
It is possible to replace double-glazed window's panes, however, this can be costly and is usually only required in the event that the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period it could be possible to get repaired for free or at a reduced cost.
It is worth checking the conditions of your warranty prior to you call the company to find out whether they can solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically have an assurance of 10 to 20 years. It is possible that the company can repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows and is also better for the environment too!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a big problem if your window handle is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. This also gives burglars the chance to break into your house. There are many solutions to this problem but the most effective solution is to get in touch with a uPVC professional. They can repair the problem 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 popular is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority uPVC frames. They lock using rods in the form of bayonets that can easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position and it will not return to the wedged locked position. This can be a very annoying issue, but it is able to be solved by following a few steps.
To fix the issue, you'll have to remove the handle. This can be done easily enough with the help of a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you should then be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed you can then employ pliers or a wrench to try to grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this does not work, you can insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different between the two windows) and create an "u" shape using your hand to grab the bolts.
If double glazing window repair are able to unblock the bolts for shooting, you can close your window by moving the handle to the closed position. But, it will not open again by the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts thus the window will be opened using the handle (and will still be secure) however, you'll need to order the new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly it is possible to repair or replace them. Whether this is due to them having been 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 simple to fix the hinge, so you don't have to purchase new windows.
Remove the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. Once you've removed the hinges, you can replace them with plywood boards that are cut to the correct size. Make sure the plywood is thicker than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also need to use wood filler to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or break in the future.
After you've re-installed the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need to paint them. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to make sure it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry it is possible to attach the window again. Tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can ensure they last longer by cleaning them regularly on the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, which will help to stop corrosion and keep them looking great for as long as you can.
Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed ones, and can help you save money on heating. But, just like any other aspect of your home, windows can suffer from wear and tear and might need repairing or replacing over time. Our Preston experts can help you if you observe any indications that your double-glazed windows aren't functioning correctly.