How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are several tell-tale signs that your double glazed windows require repairs. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They must be fixed in the shortest time possible.
However, misting can also be a sign that your window seals need replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks.
Broken Panes
One of the most common issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. While double pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane ones However, accidents do occur and you'll need to repair a damaged window as soon as you can.
Remove any loose glass fragments that might be in the frame. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be very sharp. After the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for additional loose pieces. It's also an excellent idea 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 compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass in the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long-winded process and you will need several tools to accomplish the task. These include latex glazing putty; metallic glazing points; pliers; heat gun, and a putty knife.
It's best to begin at the top and work your way down when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will help you avoid getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you do remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, make sure you employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, since this could cause damage.
After you've finished make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. When the wood is smooth, you can seal it using linseed or clear wood sealer. This will help protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few simple fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window However, these solutions will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary solution. The use of a silicone caulk may aid in sealing the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application techniques.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes, this means that your window seal isn't working. This can be a serious issue since it prevents gas or air that is used to insulate being trapped between two panes.
Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by an expert in double glazing. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then, a new gasket is blown in to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from happening again. They will also use drying agents to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from occurring again.
You may also notice mist between glass panes in double-glazed windows in the event that the frame has moved over time. This will break the seal. This could be a major issue, since your windows will not work properly and lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to replace the panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is typically only needed when there are serious issues with a window that is beyond repair. If you're experiencing problems with your double-glazed window but are still within the warranty period, you might be able get it repaired for free or at an affordable cost.
It is worth checking the terms of your warranty before you call the company to find out whether they can resolve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically come with a guarantee of 10 to 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 to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be able to do so quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double glazed windows and it's also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a huge problem if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. This also gives burglars an opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are a number of solutions to this problem, but the best option is to speak with a uPVC professional. They can fix the issue for you, or at the very least offer you a new handle.
There are many different types of window locks, however the most well-known is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks are secured with rods in the form of bayonets that can easily be jammed. If this occurs, the handle's nase is stuck in the out position and will not go back into the wedged locked position. This could be a frustrating problem, but it can be fixed by following a few easy steps.
To fix the issue you must first take off the handle, which should be done with a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you will be in a position to see the screws that secure the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you may try to grab the bolts using an awl or a pair of pliers. If this doesn't work, you may need to insert the tool into the gap between the window and frame (the gap may be different on each end of the window) and then make an "u" shape with your hands to try and grasp the bolts.
If you manage to free up the bolts for shooting, you can shut your window by adjusting the handle to the closed position. But, it will not be able to open again using the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, so the window can be opened by the handle (and is still secure) However, you'll need to order an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are no working properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be because the window was opened too forcefully or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a defect. It's easy to repair the hinge so you don't have to buy new windows.
First, you'll need to remove the hinges currently installed. This is accomplished by removing the screws that attach the hinges to the frame. After you've removed your hinges, you can replace them with plywood boards that are cut to the right size. Make repair double glazing that the plywood you choose to use is more robust than the original board so that it can withstand the weight of the window both it is closed and open. You'll also want to use wood filler to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or break in the future.
Once you've replaced the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll have to paint them. Use a good paint to make sure it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also essential for window hinges. Cleaning the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can.
Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows and can help you save money on heating. Like every other component of your house windows, they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Our Preston experts can assist you if there are signs that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly.