How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are several tell-tale indications that your double glazed windows require repairs. Obviously, water ingress or draughts through the frames are a clear indication of damage to your windows and will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
Misting may also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and stop condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most common problems that double-glazed windows face. Double pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane ones, accidents do occur and you'll want to repair a damaged window as soon as you can.
Remove any loose glass fragments that may still remain in the frame. double glazing windows repair and eye protection when removing the glass, as it can be very sharp. Once the shards have been removed, inspect the floor of your home for extra pieces of glass that may be left. It's also a good idea for you to remove any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
After the glass has been removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glass compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass to the window frame) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long process that requires a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers heat gun and a putty blade.
It is recommended to begin at the top and work your way down as you remove the old points and glazing compound. This will prevent any paint or wood that is left in the sash from sticking to your tool. Also, if you do end up removing some of the sash's wood be sure to employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, because this could cause damage.
After that then sand the wood. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with clear or linseed wood sealer. This will protect it from future water damage.
You can make a few quick solutions to repair cracked double pane windows. But these fixes are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as a temporary solution. Utilizing silicone caulk will help seal the gap. However, it is important to use high-quality caulk with the correct application techniques.
Condensation
If you notice moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, this means that your window seal isn't working. This could be a significant issue since it prevents insulating gas or air from being trapped between two panes.
A double glazing specialist can easily repair this problem. To resolve the issue your window company will remove the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing in a new gasket. This will make a strong and airtight seal to stop condensation from happening again. They'll also use a special drying agent to help dry the area and help stop the condensation from recurring.
You may also notice fog between glass panes in double-glazed windows, if the frame has moved over time. This will cause the seal to break. This can be a problem as it means that your windows will not function correctly and will lose energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed window however, it can be extremely expensive and is usually only necessary in the event of serious issues with a window that are beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still in the warranty period, you might be able get it repaired at no cost or at lower cost.
Check your warranty terms before making contact with the company to determine if they can resolve the issue without replacing the whole window. Double-glazed windows typically have a guarantee of 10 to 20 years. It is possible that the company can fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the case you're in, they'll send a professional to fix your double-glazed windows. They're able to accomplish this in a short time. This is a much less expensive alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
It could be a major issue if the handle of your window is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able to open your windows. This could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your home. There are a number of ways to fix this however the most effective option is to get in touch with a uPVC professional. They will be able to fix the issue for you, or at the very least provide you with a replacement handle.
There are many different types of window locks, but the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks use bayonet style rods to lock, and they can easily seize up. If this occurs, the handle's nose is stuck in the out position and cannot be returned to the locked wedge. This could be a frustrating problem, but it can be resolved by following a few steps.
To fix the problem to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle, which should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you'll be able to see the screws that secure the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try to grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this doesn't work then you can put the tool between the frame and the window (the gap could be different between the two windows) and then make an "u" shape with your hands to grasp the bolts.
You can close your window by adjusting the handle to the closed position if you're able to free the bolts for shooting. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is probably faulty, so it will not open by the handle. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can be opened by the handle.
Broken Hinges
It is possible to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they are not operating properly. If this is because of the hinges being opened with too much force the hinge dropping and snapping or if they were defective to begin with the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. It's easy to repair the hinge which means you don't have to buy new windows.
Remove the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. Once the hinges have been removed, you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the proper 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. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or break in the near future.
After you've filled in the holes and replaced the hinges, you will have to paint the doors. Make sure to apply a high-quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as is possible. When the paint is dry, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is essential for hinges on windows. You can make them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, which can help to keep them from rust and maintain their appearance for as long as possible.
Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed windows and can save you money on heating. Like any other part of your house windows will eventually require to be replaced or repaired. Our Preston experts are able to assist you if there are signs that the double-glazed windows you have aren't working properly.