Ten Repair Double Glazed Windows That Will Make Your Life Better

How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

There are a few telltale signs that your double glazed windows require repair. Water ingress and draughts are clear signs of damage to the window frames. They must be fixed as quickly as possible.

The misting could also mean that the 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 much harder to break than single-pane windows, accidents do happen and you will want to repair a damaged window as quickly as possible.

Get rid of any glass fragments that may still remain in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves when you remove the glass as it can be very sharp. Once the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. It's also an excellent idea to pull out any hooks that hold the panes together.

Once the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass to the window frame), and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires a few tools. These include latex glazing putty, metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun and a putty knife.

When removing the old glazing compound and points It's a good idea to start at the top of the sash, and move down. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the sash's paint or wood stuck to your tool. If you need to remove some of the wood from the sash use an utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers, which can cause damage.

Finally, when you're finished, be sure to sand any bare wood to smooth it. When the wood is smooth then you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will shield it against water and future damage.

There are a few quick fixes that you can try for a window that is cracked by a double-pane however, these methods will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary measure. The use of silicone caulk can aid in sealing the gap. However, it is important to use a high-quality caulk and proper application techniques.

Condensation

If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it's a sign that one of your windows has a broken seal. This could be a problem because it stops the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job properly and this will lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming.

Fortunately, this can be fixed by an expert in double glazing. To fix the problem your window company will remove the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing into a new gasket to create a sturdy and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from occurring again. They'll also use a special drying agent to help dry the area and help stop the condensation from occurring again.

There may be a the glass panes are a little cloudy in a double-glazed windows in the event that the frame has moved over time. This will break the seal. This can be a serious problem, as your windows won't function properly and lose their energy efficiency.

Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed window however, it can be extremely expensive and is normally only required if there are severe issues with the window that are beyond repair. However, if you've discovered an issue with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period it could be possible to get the issue fixed for free or at least at a lesser cost.

It's a good idea to check the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to see whether they are able to solve the issue without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find that they can repair the defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment!

Broken Locks & Handles

It can be a big issue if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able to use your windows. This could also give burglars the chance to break into your home. There are several solutions to address the issue, but the best way is to call a uPVC expert. They can fix the issue for you, or at least offer you a new handle.

There are a number of different kinds of window locks. However, the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks use bayonet style rods to lock, and they are very easy to seize up. If this occurs, the handle's nase will be stuck in the popped out position and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This can be a gruelling problem, but can be solved with a few easy steps.

To fix the issue, you'll need to take off the handle. This is simple enough with a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you'll be aware of the screws holding the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you may try to grab the bolts using a wrench or pair of pliers. If  repairing double glazing windows  fails then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap could differ on the opposite side of the window) and make an "u" shape with your hands to try and grasp the bolts.

You can close your window by adjusting the handle to the closed position if you are in a position to release the bolts for shooting. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is most likely damaged, so it will not open when you pull the handle. You can replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window will still be opened using the handle.

Broken Hinges

It could be necessary to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't functioning smoothly. If this is because of them being opened with too much force the hinge dropping and snapping or if they were defective in the first place, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. It's simple to replace the hinge, so you don't need to buy new windows.

The first step is to remove the hinges currently installed. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After the hinges have been removed you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the proper size. The plywood should be thicker than the original one to be able to withstand the weight of the window when it is shut and opened. You'll also need to use wood filler to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is completely filled and will not leak or break in the near future.

Once you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll have to paint them. Be sure to use a high-quality paint to ensure it will last for as long as is possible. Once the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window. Secure any screws that are loose.

Window hinges also require regular maintenance. Cleaning the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, helping to keep them from corrosion and keep them looking great for as long as is possible.

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 are susceptible to wear and tear and might require repair or replacement as time passes. Our Preston experts can assist you if there are indications that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly.