Repair Double Glazed Windows: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are a few distinct indications that your double glazed windows need repair. Evidently, water infiltration or draughts that enter the frames are an obvious indication of window damage and must be fixed as soon as is possible. However, misting could be an indication that your window seals require replacing. Replacing the seals can fix the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks. Broken Panes Broken glass is among the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows have to face. Although double-pane windows are much harder to break than single-pane ones, accidents do occur and you'll want to fix a broken window as quickly as possible. The first step is to remove any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves while doing this, since glass can be very sharp. Be sure to check the floor for fragments that have fallen off after the shards are gone. Also, it's recommended to search for any hooks of metal that may be keeping the panes in place and remove them as well. Once the glass is removed and the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. This can be a lengthy process and you will need several tools to complete the task. You'll need latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers, a heatgun and a putty blade. It's best to start at the top and work your way downwards as you remove the old points and glazing compound. This will help you avoid getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to your tool. If you need to take off some of the wood from the sash employ a utility knife or a Chisel instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage. After that then sand the wood. When the wood is smooth then you can seal it using linseed or clear wood sealer. This will help protect it from water and further damage. There are a few easy fixes you can attempt for a cracked double-pane window, but these methods will not repair the crack and should be used only as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can help seal the gap, but you need to make sure that you choose a high-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application methods. Condensation If you notice a haze of 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 stops the insulating air or gas from being trapped between the two glass panes and therefore it can't perform its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations that result in condensation forming. A double glazing expert can fix this issue easily. Your window contractor will remove both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then a new gasket will be blown in to form an airtight seal, preventing condensation from occurring in the future. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to help dry out the area and stop the condensation from happening again. 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 huge problem, as windows that are not functioning effectively and lose energy efficiency. While it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed Windows, this can be very expensive and is normally only necessary in the event of serious problems with the window that is beyond repair. If you're experiencing problems with your double-glazed window but are still within the warranty period, you may be able to get it repaired at no cost or for an affordable cost. Check your warranty terms before making contact with the company to determine whether they can solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by warranties of between 10 and 20 years, so you may find that they are able to repair defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist to fix your double glazed windows and are usually able to do so quickly. This is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows and is also better for the environment! Broken Locks & Handles It can be a huge issue if the handle of your window is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able to use your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to break into your home. There are several solutions to this problem however the most effective option is to speak with a uPVC professional. Depending on the severity of the problem they are able to usually come and repair it for you, or at least provide you with an alternative handle. There are a number of different kinds of window locks, however the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks are secured with bayonet-style rods, which can easily become jammed. If this occurs, the handle's nose is stuck in the popped out position and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This can be a difficult issue, but it is able to be solved by following a few easy steps. To fix the issue you'll have to remove the handle. This should be simple enough with the help of a screwdriver. After you have removed the handle, you will be able see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed you can then employ pliers or a wrench to try and grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this fails it is possible to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different on each end of the window) and create an ā€œuā€ shape with your hands to try and grasp the bolts. If you can manage to unblock the shoot bolts, then you can shut your 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) is most likely to be defective. It is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can be opened with the handle. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. If this is because of them being opened with too much force the hinge snapping and dropping or they had a fault in the first place the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. double glazing repairs is simple and quick, so there's no need to buy windows from scratch instead, you can get the old ones repaired instead. Remove the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After the hinges are removed you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the right size. The plywood should be thicker than the original one to be able to withstand the weight of the window when it is shut and opened. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left by the old hinge does not leak or loosen. Once you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Be sure to use a high-quality paint to ensure that it will last for as long as possible. Once the paint is dry and you are able to reattach the window. Tighten any loose screws. Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. Cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also use a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, which will help to stop rust and keep them looking good for as long as you can. Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed windows, and will save you money on heating. But, just like any other component of your home, windows can suffer from wear and tear and could require replacement or repair over time. If you're seeing any indications that your double-glazed windows are struggling to operate, it's worth getting them checked by our experts in Preston.