How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows must be repaired. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indications of damage to the window frames. They should be repaired in the shortest time possible.
However, misting can also be an indication that your window seals require replacing. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and will stop condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows have to face. Double pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane ones, accidents do occur and you'll want to fix a broken window as quickly as possible.
Take out repairing double glazing that could be in the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection while doing this, as glass can be sharp. Once the shards have been removed, inspect the floor of your home for any other pieces that are loose. Also, it's an excellent idea to search for any hooks of metal that may be keeping the panes in place and pull these out also.
Once the glass has been removed, you will have to take off the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass into the frame of the window), and replace them with new ones. This can be a lengthy procedure, and you'll need some tools to accomplish the task. You'll need latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers a heatgun and a putty blade.
When you are removing the old glazing compound and points it is a good idea to start at the top of the sash and begin to work your way down. This will prevent 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, employ an utility knife or chisel instead of chemical strippers which could cause damage.
After that you can sand the wood. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it using linseed or clear wood sealer. This will protect it against water and future damage.
There are a few easy fixes you can attempt for a cracked double-pane window, but these methods won't fix the crack and should only be used as a temporary measure. Utilizing silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However it is crucial to use high-quality caulk with the correct application techniques.
Condensation
If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of your windows has a failed seal. This can be a serious issue as it stops the insulating gas or air from getting trapped between the two panes.
Fortunately, the issue can be easily fixed by an expert in double glazing. To correct the issue, your window contractor will take out the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting in a new gasket to 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.
There may be a the glass panes are a little cloudy in a double-glazed windows when the frame has changed position over time. This could cause the seal to break. This can be a serious problem, as windows that are not functioning effectively and lose energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is typically only necessary in the event of serious issues with a window that is beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed window and are still within the warranty period, you might be able to get it repaired at no cost or at an affordable cost.
Check your warranty terms before contacting the company to determine if they can resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by warranties of between 10 and 20 years, so you might find they're able to repair the faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, they will likely send a professional to repair your double-glazed windows. They can usually accomplish this in a short time. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a huge problem if your window handle is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able to open your windows. This could also give burglars the opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are many options to address this issue, but the best option is to connect with an uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the problem, they can usually come and repair it for you or at least provide you with an alternative handle.
There are several kinds of window locks however, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila locks which are typically found on uPVC frames. These locks lock with bayonet-style rods, which can easily be jammed. If this happens, the handle's nose will be stuck in the out position and will not go back into the locked wedge. This can be a frustrating issue, but it is able to be fixed by following a few steps.
To fix the issue to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle. This is easy enough using the help of a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you will be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed you can then use a wrench or pliers to try and grab the bolts for the shoot. If this doesn't work then you can place the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different between the two windows) and then make an "u" shape using your hands to grasp the bolts.
You can shut your window by adjusting the handle back to its closed position if you're in a position to release the bolts for shooting. However, it won't open again by the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts so the window can be opened by the handle (and is still secure) However, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It is possible to repair or replace your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't functioning smoothly. It could be because the window was opened too vigorously, or that the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a flaw. Thankfully, replacing the hinge is easy and quick and there's no need to buy windows from scratch - you can simply get your old windows repaired instead.
Take off the hinges. This is done by removing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. After you've removed your hinges and replaced them with plywood boards that are cut to the correct size. The plywood should be more dense than the original one to be able to withstand the weight when the window is closed and opened. You'll also want to use a wood filler to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or loosen in the near future.
After you've filled in the holes and put on the hinges, you will have to paint the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as possible. When the paint is dry and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can help them last longer by regularly cleaning the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as you possibly can.
Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed windows, and will save you money on heating. But, just like any other part of your home, windows can suffer from wear and tear and could require replacement or repair in time. If you're seeing any of the signs that your double-glazed windows aren't functioning properly it's worth having them examined by our experts in Preston.