How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows must be repaired. Evidently, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious indication of window damage and will need to be repaired as soon as is possible.
The misting could also mean that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing your window seals can solve the issue and prevent leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most common problems that a double-glazed window faces is broken glass. Double pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane ones however, accidents can occur and you'll want to fix a broken window as soon as is possible.
Remove any loose glass fragments that might be inside the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, because it could be extremely sharp. Once the shards are removed, look around the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. It is also recommended to look for any metal hooks that may be holding the panes together and take them out as well.
After the glass has been removed then you can begin the process of removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small fasteners that fix the glass into the window frame) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade.
When you are removing the old glazing compound and points it is a good idea to start at the top of the sash, and move down. This will help you avoid getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you do end up removing a portion of the sash's wood be sure to use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, because this could cause damage.
After you've finished make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once double glazing window repair can apply Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to safeguard it from future water damage.
There are a few easy fixes that you can try to repair a damaged double-pane window However, these solutions won't fix the crack and should be used only as a temporary fix. Utilizing silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However, it is important to use caulk of high-quality and with the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing, this means that the window seal isn't working. This can be a problem because it prevents the insulating air or gas from getting trapped between the two glass panes and therefore it can't perform its job effectively and can lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form.
A double glazing expert can easily repair this problem. To resolve the issue your window company will take off the window sash that is affected and IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting in a new gasket. This will make a strong and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also use a special drying agent to help dry out the area and help stop the condensation from recurring.
Another reason you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows with double glazing is because the framework has shifted over time, which can break the crucial seal. This can be a serious issue, since windows that are not functioning properly and lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed Windows, this can be very expensive and is typically only required if there are severe problems with the window that is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty time it could be possible to get repaired for free or at least at a lower cost.
Verify the warranty conditions prior to making contact with the company to determine whether they can fix the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically have warranties of between 10 and 20 years. You may find that the company is able to fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it can be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It can also give burglars a chance to gain entry into your home. There are a variety of options to fix it however the most effective method is to call an uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem they are able to usually fix it for you or at a minimum, give you a new handle.
There are a number of different kinds of window locks, however the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks lock with rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position, and it won't return to the wedged locked position. This can be a very frustrating issue, but it can be fixed with a few simple steps.
To fix the problem to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle, which is easy enough using a screwdriver. After removing the handle, you will be able see the screws that hold the lock to frame. After the screws have been removed, you may try to grab the bolts with a wrench or pair of pliers. If this is unsuccessful then you might need to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different at each end of the window) and then make an "u" shape using your hands to try and grasp the bolts.
If you are able to free up the bolts for shooting, you can close the window by moving the handle to the closed position. But it won't be able to open again with the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. You can replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can be opened by the handle.
Broken Hinges
You may need 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. Or, they may have a problem. It's simple to repair the hinge so you don't have to buy new windows.
Remove the hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that secure the frame to the hinges. After you've removed your hinges and replaced them with plywood boards that are 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 it is closed and open. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or loosen in the future.
After you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Use a good paint to make sure it lasts as long as it can. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is essential for window hinges. 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 shield them against the elements. This will prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as you possibly can.
A double-glazed window can help you save money on heating, because it's more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. But, just like any other part of your home, windows will show wear and tear and might require repair or replacement over time. If you're noticing any of the signs that your double glazed windows are struggling to operate and aren't working properly, you should have them checked by our experts in Preston.