How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows must be fixed. Evidently, water infiltration or draughts that enter the frames are a clear indication of window damage and will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
However, misting may be a sign that your window seals require replacing. Replacing the seals will fix the issue and will stop condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most common problems that double-glazed windows confront. Double-pane windows are harder to break than single panes, yet accidents can occur. It is important to repair a damaged glass as quickly as you can.
The first step to take is to remove any glass fragments that are loose that remain in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, because it is extremely sharp. Once the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any other pieces that are loose. It is also recommended to pull out any hooks made of metal that hold the panes together.
Once the glass is removed then you can begin the process of removing the old glass compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass in the window frame) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires the use of a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers an electric heat gun, and a putty blade.
When you are removing the old glazing compound and points, it's recommended to begin at the top of the sash, and work your way down. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you're looking to remove some of the wood from the sash use an utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers which could cause damage.
After that, sand the bare wood. When the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will protect it against water and future damage.
You can make a few simple solutions to repair cracks in a double-pane window. However, these solutions are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as a temporary solution. The use of silicone caulk can help seal the gap. However it is crucial to use caulk of high-quality and with the correct application techniques.
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 can be a serious problem as it prevents the insulating gas or air from being trapped between two panes.
Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by an expert in double glazing. Your window repair professional will take off the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then, a new gasket will be blown into to create an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also use a special drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from recurring.
You may also notice the glass panes are a little cloudy in a double-glazed windows when the frame has changed over time. This can cause the seal to break. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't function properly and will lose energy efficiency.
It is possible to replace a double-glazed window's panes, however, this can be costly and is usually only required if the window is beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period, you might be able to get it repaired at no cost or for an affordable cost.
Verify the warranty conditions prior to making contact with the company to determine if they can resolve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find that they're able to repair the damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and will usually be able to do so quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it can be a huge issue as it makes it impossible to use your windows. This can also give burglars an opportunity to break into your house. There are a number of options to address this issue, but the best option is to speak with an uPVC professional. They can repair the problem for you, or at the very least offer you a new handle.
There are many different kinds of window locks. However, the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks lock with rods in the form of bayonets that can easily jam. If this occurs, the handle's nose will remain in the popped out position and cannot be returned to the locked position wedged. This can be a very frustrating issue, but it can be fixed with a few simple steps.
To resolve the issue to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle. This should be easy enough with the help of a screwdriver. After removing the handle you'll be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you can try to grab the bolts using an awl or a pair of pliers. If this doesn't work then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap could be different at each end of the window) and then make a "u" shape using your hands to try and grab the shoot bolts.
If you manage to unblock the shoot bolts, then you can close your window by moving the handle to a closed position. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is likely to be damaged and won't open by the handle. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts which means that the window can be opened using the handle (and is still secure) However, you'll need to order an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It could be necessary to repair or replace your uPVC windows hinges if they're not functioning smoothly. It could be due to them being opened with too much force the hinge snapping or dropping or they were defective to begin with, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. It's simple to fix the hinge, so you don't have to purchase new windows.
Remove the hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that hold the frame to the hinges. After you've removed the hinges, you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the proper size. Make sure that the plywood is more robust than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window when open and closed. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or break in the near future.
After you've filled holes and replaced the hinges, then you'll require painting the doors. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as is possible. When the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can make them last longer by regularly cleaning the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, which can help to stop rust and keep them looking good for as long as you can.
A double-glazed window can help you reduce your heating bills, because it is more energy efficient than windows with a single glazing. As with double glazing repair kit of your house windows, they will eventually require to be repaired or replaced. If you're seeing any indications that your double-glazed windows aren't functioning properly, it's worth getting them examined by our experts in Preston.