How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are certain indicators that tell you your double-glazed windows need to be fixed. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indications of damage to the window frames. They should be repaired as soon as is possible.
Misting can also indicate that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the problem and prevent condensation, draughts or leaks.
Broken Panes
One of the most frequent problems that a double-glazed window faces is broken glass. Double-pane windows are less difficult to break than single panes, yet accidents can still occur. You should repair a broken glass as soon as possible.
The first step is to remove any glass fragments that are loose that remain in the frame. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves when doing this, as glass can be very sharp. Once the shards are removed, check the floor of your home for additional loose pieces. It is also an excellent idea to pull out any metal hooks holding the panes together.
After the glass is removed then 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. It is a long process that requires a few tools. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade.
It is best to begin at the top and work your way down 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 remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, be sure to use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper because this could cause damage.
After you've finished ensure that you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once it's smooth you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to protect it from future water damage.
There are a few easy solutions you can try for a window that is cracked by a double-pane however, these methods are not a solution to the crack and should only be used as a temporary solution. A silicone caulk can aid in sealing the gap, but it is important to ensure that you choose a high-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application methods.
Condensation
If you notice moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes it means that your window seal has failed. This can be a problem because it blocks the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two glass panes and therefore it can't perform its job properly and this can cause temperature fluctuations that result in condensation forming.
A double glazing expert can easily fix this issue. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then, a new gasket will be blown in to form an airtight seal, preventing condensation from occurring in the future. They'll also use a special drying agent to help dry out the area and stop the condensation from occurring again.
Another reason you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows with double glazing is because the frame has moved over time, which causes cracks in the crucial seal. This can be a serious problem, as your windows won't function effectively and lose energy efficiency.
While it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is typically only needed when there are serious issues with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've discovered the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows, and you're still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to have repaired for free or at least at a lower cost.
It is worth checking the conditions of your warranty prior to you contact the company to see whether they can resolve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically have a guarantee of 10 to 20 years. It is possible that the company can fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be able to do so quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows and it's also better for the environment too!
repairing double glazing & Handles
It can be a big issue if the handle of your window is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able to open your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are a few options to fix it but the best option is to contact an uPVC expert. They can repair the problem for you, or offer you a new 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 are secured with bayonet-style rods, which can easily become jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position and it will not return to the wedged locked position. This can be a frustrating issue, but it can be fixed with a few simple steps.
To fix the issue, you'll have to remove the handle. This is simple enough with a screwdriver. After removing the handle you'll be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try and grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this doesn't work then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap may be different at each end of the window) and make a "u" shape with your hands to try to grab the shoot bolts.
If you can manage to remove the bolts for shooting, you can close your window by moving the handle to the closed position. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is likely to be damaged, so it will not open when you pull the handle. It is possible to replace the gearbox without the shoot bolts which means that the window can be opened by the handle (and it will remain secure) However, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are no working properly it is possible to repair or replace them. It could be because the window was opened too tightly or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a problem. It's simple to fix the hinge, which means you don't have to purchase new windows.
The first step is to remove the existing hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that hold the frame to the hinges. After you've removed the hinges and replaced them with plywood boards cut to the correct size. The plywood should be more dense than the hinges that came with it to help support the weight when the window is shut and opened. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or loosen in the future.
After you've re-installed the hinges and filled the holes, you'll have to paint them. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. After the paint has dried it is possible to attach the window again. Secure any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. You can help them last longer by regularly cleaning the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them from the elements. This will help prevent rusting and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can.
Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed ones, and can save you money on heating. However, just like every other aspect of your home, windows will show wear and tear and might need repairing or replacing over time. If you're seeing any indications that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly it's worth having them looked at by our experts in Preston.