How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few telltale indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows require repair. Draughts and water ingress are clear signs of damage to the frames of your windows. They must be fixed as soon as is possible.
However, misting may be a sign that your window seals require replacement. Replacing your window seals will solve the issue, and will stop leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most common problems with double-glazed windows is broken glass. Although double-pane windows are less likely to break than single pane windows However, accidents do occur and you'll need to fix a broken window as soon as is possible.
Take out any glass fragments that could be in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves when removing the glass, because it could be extremely sharp. Check the floor for any fragments that have fallen off after the shards are gone. It is also recommended to remove any metal hooks holding the panes together.
Once the glass is removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass to the window frame) and replace them with new ones. It is a long process that requires the use of a few tools. You will require latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers a heatgun and a putty blade.
When removing the old glaze compound and points it is a good idea to start at the top of the sash, and work your way down. This will help you avoid getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to the tool. If you do end up removing some of the sash's wood, make sure you employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage.
Finally, when you're finished make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will protect it against water and future damage.
You can use a few simple fixes to fix a cracked double pane window. But these fixes won't fix the problem and should only serve as a temporary solution. The use of silicone caulk can help seal the gap. However it is crucial to use high-quality caulk with the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you've noticed moisture 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 problem as it prevents the gas or air that is used to insulate getting trapped between the two panes.
A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. Your window contractor will remove the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then the gasket is blown in to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also apply a drying agent to help the area dry out and stop the condensation from happening again.
The other reason why you may see a haze between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is that the framework has moved slightly over time, which causes cracks in the all-important seal. This could be a problem as it means that your windows won't work correctly and will lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed window, this can be very expensive and is typically only required in the event of serious issues with a window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted a fault in your double-glazed windows, and you're still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to get it fixed for free or at a lower cost.
Review your warranty's terms prior to calling the company to find out whether they can solve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they're able to repair the defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be capable of doing it quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double glazed windows, and it's better for the environment too!
Broken Locks & Handles
It could be a major problem if your window handle is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You won't be able use your windows. It could also give burglars a chance to break into your home. There are many solutions to this problem but the most effective solution is to get in touch with a uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the problem they are able to usually fix it for you, or at least provide you with an alternative handle.
There are many different types of window locks, however the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks are secured with rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily be jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it won't return to the wedged lock position. This could be a frustrating problem, but can be fixed with a few easy steps.
To fix the issue, you will need to first remove the handle. This should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you should then be in a position to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you may try to grab the bolts with the help of a wrench or a pair pliers. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may be different between the two windows) and then make an "u" shape with your hands to grasp the bolts.
If you are able to free up the bolts for shooting, you can close your window by adjusting the handle to a closed position. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is probably faulty and won't open by the handle. It is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window can be opened using the handle.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are no working properly and smoothly, you might need to replace or repair them. It could be that the window was opened too vigorously, or that the hinge snapped. It could also be that they have a defect. Thankfully the replacement of the hinge is easy and quick, so there's no need to buy windows that are new instead, you can get your old ones fixed instead.
Remove the hinges. This is done by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. Once you've removed the hinges you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the right size. The plywood should be more dense than the original one to be able to withstand the weight of the window when it is opened and closed. You'll also need to use a wood filler to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is filled completely and will not leak or loosen in the future.
After you've filled holes and replaced the hinges, you will have to paint the doors. Use a good paint to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
blown double glazing repair is also important for window hinges. Cleaning regularly the friction stay track and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives in order to shield them against the elements. This will prevent rusting and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can.
A double-glazed window can help you reduce your heating bills, since it's more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. Like every other component of your home windows, they will eventually require to be replaced or repaired. If you're seeing any of the signs that your double glazed windows aren't functioning properly and aren't working properly, you should have them looked at by our experts in Preston.