How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are certain indicators that tell you your double-glazed windows must be fixed. Water ingress and draughts are obvious signs of damage to the frames of your windows. They should be repaired as quickly as possible.
However, misting can also be a sign that your window seals need replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and prevent 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 broken window as soon as is possible.
The first step to take is to take out any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection while removing the glass because it could be extremely sharp. Be sure to check the floor for loose pieces once the shards are gone. It is also recommended to pull out any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
After the glass has been removed, you will have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that hold the glass in 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, metal glazing points, pliers heat gun and a putty blade.
It's best to begin at the top and work your way downwards in removing the old points and glazing compound. This will stop any paint or wood that is left in the sash from sticking to your tool. If you're looking to remove a portion of the wood from the sash, employ the utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage.
After that then sand the wood. When the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will shield it from water and further damage.
There are a few quick fixes that you can try for a window that is cracked by a double-pane However, these solutions are not a solution to the crack and should be used only as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can help seal the gap, but you need to make sure that you use a top-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application techniques.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing, this means that the window seal has failed. This could be a cause for concern because it blocks the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two glass panes which means it cannot do its job properly and this can lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming.
A double glazing expert can easily repair this problem. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then the gasket will be blown in to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also employ drying agents to help the area dry out and stop the condensation from recurring.
There may be a the glass panes are a little cloudy in double-glazed windows, if the frame has changed over time. This will break the seal. This could 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 Windows however, it can be extremely expensive and is normally only necessary in the event of serious issues with a window that is beyond repair. If you're experiencing problems with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period then you may be able to get it repaired for free or at a reduced price.
Check your warranty terms before contacting the company to determine if they can resolve the problem without replacing 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 they'll likely send a professional to fix your double-glazed windows. They can usually complete the task quickly. This is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows, and it's better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
When your window handle is broken or hard to open, it could be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. This can also give burglars an opportunity to break into your home. There are a number of options to address this issue but the most effective solution is to connect with an uPVC professional. They can repair the problem for you, or at least give you a replacement handle.
There are a number of different kinds of window locks. However, the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks lock with rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it will not return to the wedged lock position. This can be a gruelling issue, but it can be solved by following a few simple steps.
To fix the issue you must first remove the handle, which is easy enough using the aid of a screwdriver. Once the handle is 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 can make use of pliers or a wrench to try to grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this fails, 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 create a "u" shape using your hands to attempt to grab the shoot bolts.
If you can manage to free up the bolts that shoot, then you can close the window by moving the handle to a closed position. But it won't be able to open again by the handle, since the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened by the handle (and is still secure) however, you'll need to order the new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly it is possible to replace or repair them. It could be that the window was opened too forcefully or the hinge snapped. It could also be that they have a problem. Thankfully the replacement of the hinge is easy and quick and there's no need to purchase windows from scratch and you can have the old ones repaired instead.
Remove the hinges. This is accomplished by removing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. After the hinges have been removed, you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the proper size. Make sure that the plywood is larger than the original one to ensure it is able to support the weight of the window when shut and open. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is completely filled and will not leak or loosen in the future.
After you've filled in the holes and replaced the hinges, then you'll require painting the doors. Make sure you employ a top-quality paint to ensure it will last as long as it can. Once the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window. Tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. Regularly cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply a wood preservative to protect them from the elements, helping to stop rust and keep them looking great for as long as is possible.
Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed ones, and can help you save money on heating. As with any part of your home, your windows will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. local double glazing repairs can assist you if you notice any signs that your double-glazed windows are not functioning properly.