How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are several tell-tale signs that your double glazed windows require repair. Draughts and water ingress are obvious signs of damage to the frames of the windows. They should be repaired as soon as is possible.
The misting could also mean that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the problem, and will stop leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most frequent problems that a double-glazed window faces is broken glass. Although double-pane windows are much harder to break than single pane windows however, accidents can occur and you'll need to repair a broken window as soon as is possible.
The first step to take is to remove any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, as it can be very sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards have been removed. It is also a good idea for you to pull out any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
Once the glass has been removed, you will have to take off the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires a few tools. You'll need latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade.
When you are removing the old glazing compound and points it is recommended to begin at the top of the sash, and work your way down. This will stop any wood or paint that is removed from the sash from sticking to the tool. If you have to remove some of the wood from the sash, employ an utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage.
After that you can sand the wood. When it's smooth you can apply Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to safeguard it from water and future damage.
There are a few quick solutions you can try for a window that is cracked by a double-pane However, these solutions won't fix the crack and should be used only as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can help to seal the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk and follow proper application techniques.
Condensation
If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of your windows is suffering from a failing seal. This could be a problem because it prevents the gas or air that is used to insulate from being trapped between the two glass panes and therefore it can't perform its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations that cause condensation to form.
Fortunately, this issue can be easily repaired by a double glazing expert. To fix the problem the window repair professional will take out the affected window sash and IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing into a new gasket to create a sturdy and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from occurring again. repairs to double glazing 'll also use a special drying agent to aid in drying the area and help stop the condensation from occurring again.
You might also notice a mist between glass panes in double-glazed windows, in the event that the frame has changed over time. This could break the seal. This can be a serious problem, as your windows won't function effectively and lose energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace the panes of a double-glazed window however, it can be extremely expensive and is usually only needed if there are severe issues with a window that is beyond repair. However, if you've discovered a fault in your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period it could be possible to have the issue fixed for free or at least at a reduced 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 usually have warranties of between 10 and 20 years. It is possible that the company can repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the situation, they will likely send a professional to repair your double-glazed windows. They can usually accomplish this in a short time. This is a less expensive option than buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows and is also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
When your window handle is broken or difficult to open, it could be a huge issue as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It also gives burglars the chance to break into your house. There are a variety of options to fix it but the best option is to speak with an uPVC expert. Depending on the severity of the issue, they can usually come and repair it for you or at the very least, provide you with an alternative handle.
There are a number of different kinds of window locks. However, the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods for locking and are able to easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position, and it is unable to return to its wedged locked position. This could be a frustrating issue, but it can be resolved with just a few steps.
To fix the problem you must first remove the handle, which is easy enough using the help of a screwdriver. After removing the handle you will be able see the screws that attach the lock to frame. Once the screws have been removed, you may try to grab the bolts with a wrench or pair of pliers. If this doesn't work then you can place the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may differ at the ends of the windows) and create an "u" shape using your hand to grab the bolts.
You can shut your window by adjusting the handle to a closed position if you are able to free the bolts that shoot. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is likely to be damaged and won't open with the handle. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts so the window can be opened using the handle (and will still be secure) however, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It is possible to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they're not operating smoothly. Whether this is due to them being opened with too much force, the hinge dropping and snapping or they had a fault in the first place and it causes problems that make it difficult to use your window. It's easy to repair the hinge which means you don't have to purchase new windows.
Remove the hinges. This is done by removing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. Once you've removed the hinges and replaced them with plywood boards cut to the correct dimensions. The plywood should be more dense than the hinges that came with it to help support the weight of the window when it is closed and opened. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is completely filled and will not leak or break in the future.
After you've filled in the holes and replaced hinges, you'll need to paint the doors. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint has dried, you can reconnect the window. Make sure you tighten any screws that are loose.
Regular maintenance is also important for window hinges. Cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will ensure they last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them against the elements. This will prevent rusting and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can.
Double-glazed windows can help you save money on heating, since it is more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. However, like any other aspect of your home, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and could need repairing or replacing in time. Our Preston experts can help you if there are signs that your double-glazed windows are not working correctly.