How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be repaired. Obviously, water ingress or draughts through the frames are a clear indication of damage to your windows and will need to be fixed as soon as is possible.
However, misting may be an indication that your window seals require replacement. Replacing your 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. Double-pane windows are less difficult to break than single panes, however accidents can happen. You will want to repair the damaged glass as quickly as possible.
Get rid of any glass fragments that might be in the frame. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves while doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. After the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any other pieces that are loose. It is also an excellent idea to pull out any hooks that hold the panes together.
After the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that hold the glass in the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires the use of a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade.
It is recommended to start at the top and work your way downwards when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will help you avoid getting any of the sash's paint or wood stuck to your tool. If you do end up removing some of the sash's wood make sure you use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, because this could cause damage.
When you're done, sand the bare wood. When the wood is smooth, you can seal it with clear or linseed wood sealer. This will 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, but these methods are not a solution to the crack and should only be used as a temporary solution. Use of silicone caulk will aid in sealing the gap. However, blown double glazing repair is important to use caulk of high-quality and with the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes it means that the window seal has failed. This can be a problem because it stops gas or the insulating air from getting trapped between the two panes of glass, so it won't do its job correctly and this will lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form.
Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. 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 in to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also apply drying agents to help the area dry out and stop the condensation from recurring.
There may be a fog between glass panes in a double-glazed windows in the event that the frame has changed position over time. This could break the seal. This can be a huge issue, since your windows will not work properly and lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed Windows however, it can be extremely expensive and is typically only needed if there are severe issues with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted a fault in your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period it could be possible to have repaired for free or at least at a lesser cost.
It's worth checking the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to determine whether they are able to resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically come with a guarantee of 10 to 20 years. You may find that the company can repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case you're in, they'll send a specialist out to fix your double-glazed windows. They're able to do this quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows and is also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
When your window handle is damaged or difficult to open, it can be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It could also give burglars an opportunity to break into your home. There are a number of ways to fix this, but the best option is to connect with an uPVC professional. Depending on the severity of the problem they are able to usually fix it for you or at the very least, provide you with an alternative handle.
There are a few different kinds of window locks but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks that are found on most uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock and these are very easy to seize up. If this happens, the handle's nose is stuck in the popped out position and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This could be a annoying issue, but it is able to be fixed with a few simple steps.
To fix the issue, you'll need to remove the handle. This can be done easily enough with a screwdriver. After removing the handle you'll be able to view the screws that attach the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you can try to grab the bolts using a wrench or pair of pliers. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may differ at the ends of the windows) and create an "u" shape with your hands to grasp the bolts.
You can shut your window by adjusting the handle to the closed position if you are in a position to release the bolts that shoot. But, it will not open again with the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window can still be opened using the handle.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly it is possible to repair or replace them. It could be due to the hinges being opened with too much force, the hinge snapping or dropping or they were defective to begin with and it causes problems that make using your window difficult. It's easy to fix the hinge, so you don't need to purchase new windows.
Take off the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. Once you've removed the hinges you can replace them with plywood boards that are cut to the correct dimensions. Make sure that the plywood is thicker than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window both open and closed. You'll also want to use wood filler to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is filled completely and will not leak or break in the future.
Once you've replaced the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need paint them. Make sure you apply a high-quality paint to ensure that it will last as long as possible. Once the paint has dried it is possible to reattach the window. Tighten any screws that are loose.
Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. Cleaning regularly the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will help them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements. This will prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as you can.
Having a double glazed window can help you save money on heating costs, since it's more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. Like every other component of your home, your windows will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Our Preston experts can assist you if you observe any indications that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly.