How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct signs that your double glazed windows need repair. Evidently, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious indication of window damage and must be fixed as soon as possible.
Misting can also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing the seals will fix the problem and prevent condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
One of the most common issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. Double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single panes, however accidents do occur. It is important to repair damaged glass as quickly as you can.
Get rid of any glass fragments that may still be inside the frame. Don't forget to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be very sharp. Once the shards are removed, inspect the floor of your home for extra pieces of glass that may be left. Also, it's recommended to look for any metal hooks that may be keeping the panes in place and take them out too.
After the glass is removed and the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass in the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. This can be a lengthy procedure, and you'll need a few tools to get the job done. You will require latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers, an electric heat gun, and a putty blade.
When removing the old glaze compound and points, it's a good idea to start at the top of the sash and begin to work your way down. This will prevent any paint or wood from the sash from adhering to your tool. Also, if you end up removing some of the sash's wood be sure to use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage.
After that you can sand the wood. Once the wood is smooth then you can seal it using clear or linseed wood sealer. This will help protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few simple solutions you can try for a window that is cracked by a double-pane however, these methods will not repair the crack and should be used only as a temporary solution. Use of silicone caulk will aid in sealing the gap. However it is crucial to use a high-quality caulk and proper application techniques.
Condensation
If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it means 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 fixed by an expert in double glazing. To correct 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 to create a sturdy and airtight seal to stop condensation from happening again. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to help dry out the area and prevent the condensation from happening again.
Another reason you may notice mist between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the frame has moved over time, which breaks the all-important seal. This can be a serious issue as your windows will not work correctly and lose their energy efficiency.
It is possible to replace double-glazed window's panes however, this can be costly and is usually only necessary when the window is beyond repair. If you're experiencing problems with your double-glazed windows and are still in the warranty period, you might be able to repair it at no cost or for lower cost.
It's a good idea to check the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to determine whether they are able to solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they are able to repair faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case you're in, they'll send out a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows. They're able to do this quickly. This is a less expensive option than buying and installing brand new double glazed windows and is also more sustainable for the environment as well!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a huge issue if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. This can also give burglars an opportunity to break into your house. There are a few options to fix it however the most effective method is to call a uPVC expert. They will be able to fix the issue for you, or at least provide you with a replacement handle.
There are many different kinds of window locks, however the most common is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods for locking and can easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position and it is unable to return to the wedged locked position. This could be a frustrating problem, but it can be solved with just a few steps.
To resolve the issue, you will need to first remove the handle. This is easy enough using the help of a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you will be aware of the screws holding the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed, you can try to grab the bolts with a wrench or pair of pliers. If this doesn't work then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may be different on each end of the window) and create an "u" shape with your hands to attempt to grab the shoot bolts.
You can close your window by moving the handle to a closed position if you are able to free the shoot bolts. But it won't be able to open again with the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. It is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can still be opened by the handle.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly it is possible to repair or replace them. Whether this is due to them being opened with too much force the hinge dropping and snapping or they had a fault to begin with and it causes problems that make it difficult to use your window. Thankfully, replacing the hinge is simple and quick and doesn't require you to buy a new window - you can simply get your old ones fixed instead.
First, you'll need remove the hinges currently installed. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After you've removed your hinges you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the proper size. Make sure that the plywood is larger than the original one so that it can withstand the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also need to use a wood filler to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is completely filled and won't leak or become loose in the future.
After you've re-installed hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Use a good paint to ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. When the paint is dry and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also essential for window hinges. You can help them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives in order to shield them from the elements. This will prevent rusting and ensure they look great 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 only one glass. However, like any other component of your home, your windows will show wear and tear and could require repair or replacement as time passes. If repair double glazing noticing any of the signs that your double glazed windows are struggling to operate it's worth having them checked by our experts in Preston.