How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct signs that your double glazed windows need repair. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indicators of damage to window frames. They must be fixed as quickly as possible.
However, misting could be a sign that your window seals need replacing. Replacing your window seals can solve the issue and will stop 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 much harder to break than single pane windows however, accidents can happen and you will want to repair a damaged window as soon as is possible.
The first step is to remove any glass shards that are not completely removed that are still in the frame. Be sure to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be sharp. Check the floor for any fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. It is also a good idea for you to remove any metal hooks holding the panes together.
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 in the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers an electric heat gun, and a putty blade.
It's best to begin 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 paint or wood stuck to your tool. If you have to remove a portion of the wood from the sash use the utility knife or chisel instead of chemical strippers, which can cause damage.
After you're done, sand the bare wood. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it using clear or linseed wood sealer. This will help protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few easy fixes that you can try for a cracked double-pane window however, these methods won't fix the crack and should be used only as a temporary solution. A silicone caulk can help seal the gap, but you need to make sure that you choose a high-quality caulk and follow proper application methods.
Condensation
If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it means that one of your windows has a broken seal. This could be a cause for concern because it blocks gas or the insulating air from getting trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job correctly and this can lead to temperature changes that cause condensation to form.
Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. Your window repair professional will take off the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then a new gasket will be blown in to form an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They will also employ drying agents to help the area dry out and prevent the condensation from happening again.
You may also notice fog between glass panes in double-glazed windows when the frame has changed over time. This could crack the seal. This can be a problem since it means that your windows won't work correctly and will lose energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace the panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only required if there are severe problems with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period, then it may be possible to get it fixed for free or at a reduced cost.
Review your warranty's terms prior to calling the company to find out whether they can fix the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find that they can repair the faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the situation they'll likely send out a specialist to fix your double-glazed windows. They're able to accomplish this in a short time. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows and it's also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
If your window handle is broken or hard to open, it can be a major problem as it prevents you from using your windows. This could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your home. There are several options to address this issue, but the best option is to speak with a uPVC professional. They can repair the problem for you, or at the very least offer you a new handle.
There are several types of window lock, but the most popular is the Maco or Mila locks that are commonly found on uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock, and they can easily seize up. If this occurs, the handle's nose is stuck in the popped out position and will not go back into the locked wedge. This can be a very difficult issue, but it can be fixed by following a few easy steps.
To fix the problem, you will need to first remove the handle, which is easy enough using 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 have been removed and the handle is removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to attempt to grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this is unsuccessful it is possible to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap can be different on each end of the window) and then make a "u" shape with your hand to try and grasp the bolts.
You can close your window by adjusting the handle back to its closed position if you're in a position to release the shoot bolts. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is likely to be damaged and will not open by the handle. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window can still be opened by the handle.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't longer operating smoothly it is possible to have them repaired or replaced. If this is because of the hinges being opened with too much force the hinge snapping or dropping or if they were defective at the beginning, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. It's easy to repair the hinge so you don't need to purchase new windows.
First, you'll need 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 you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the right size. Make sure the plywood is thicker than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window both open and closed. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is filled completely and won't leak or become loose in the future.
After you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Make sure you employ a top-quality paint to ensure that it will last for as long as possible. After the paint has dried and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. Cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will help them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, which can help to stop corrosion and keep them looking good 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. Like double glazing repairs of your house windows, they will eventually require to be repaired or replaced. 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 examined by our experts in Preston.