How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be repaired. Evidently, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious sign of damage to the window and will need to be fixed in the shortest time possible.
However, misting could be a sign that your window seals need replacing. Replacing the seals can fix the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows face. While double pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane ones however, accidents can occur and you'll need to repair a broken window as quickly as possible.
The first step to take is to get rid of any loose shards of glass that remain in the frame. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves while doing this, as glass can be sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. Also, it's recommended to search for any hooks of metal that could be holding the panes together and pull these out too.
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 secure the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long process that requires some tools. You will require latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers, a heatgun and a putty blade.
When removing the old glaze compound and points, it's recommended to begin at the top of the sash and work your way down. This will stop any wood or paint from the sash from sticking to your tool. If you have to remove some of the wood from the sash, make use of the utility knife or chipper instead of chemical strippers which could cause damage.
When you're done make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will help protect it from future water damage.
There are a few simple solutions you can try to repair a damaged double-pane window, but these methods are not a solution to the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can help seal the gap, but it's important to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application techniques.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it means that your window seal isn't working. double glazing windows repair can be a serious issue as it stops the gas or air that is used to insulate getting trapped between the two panes.
Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. To fix the problem, your window contractor will remove the affected window sash and IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting in a new gasket. This will create a sturdy and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from occurring again.
The other reason why you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the frame has moved over time, which can break the crucial seal. This can be a huge issue as your windows won't function properly and lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed Windows however, it can be extremely expensive and is normally only necessary when there are serious problems with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted an issue with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty time it could be possible to get repaired for free or at least at a lower cost.
It is worth checking the terms of your warranty prior to you contact the company to determine whether they can solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they are able to repair damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and will typically be in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a big issue if your window handle is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. It could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your house. There are many solutions to this problem, but the best option is to get in touch with an uPVC professional. They can repair the problem for you, or at least provide you with a replacement handle.
There are a few different types of window lock, but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks that are found on most uPVC frames. These locks lock with 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 frustrating issue, but it can be fixed by following 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. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to see the screws that hold the lock to frame. Once the screws are removed, you can try to grab the bolts with the help of a wrench or a pair pliers. If this doesn't work then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap may be different on each end of the window) and make an "u" shape with your hand to try and grasp the bolts.
You can close your window by moving the handle back to its closed position if you're able to free the bolts for shooting. But, it will not open again by the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts which means that the window can be opened by the handle (and is still secure) however, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It is possible to repair or replace your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't operating smoothly. It could be that the window was opened too vigorously or the hinge snapped. They could also have a problem. Fortunately, replacing the hinge is quick and easy and doesn't require you to purchase windows from scratch instead, you can get your old windows repaired instead.
Remove the hinges. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. After you've removed the hinges, you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the right dimensions. Make sure that the plywood you choose to use is larger than the original one to ensure it can support the weight of the window both open and closed. 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 near future.
After you've filled in the holes and replaced hinges, you'll have to paint the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can make them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, helping to stop corrosion and maintain their appearance for as long as possible.
Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed ones, and will save you money on heating. However, like any other aspect of your home, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and could require replacement or repair over time. Our Preston experts can assist you if you notice any signs that your double-glazed windows are not functioning properly.