This Week's Top Stories About Repair Double Glazed Windows Repair Doub…

How to Repair double glazing replacement units Glazed Windows

There are several tell-tale signs that your double glazing doors glazed windows require repair. Draughts and water ingress are obvious indications of damage to the window frames. They must be fixed as quickly as possible.

However, misting can also be a sign that your window seals need replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the problem and prevent condensation, draughts or leaks.

Broken Panes

Broken glass is among the most common problems that double-glazed windows face. Double-pane windows are harder to break than single panes, but accidents do occur. You will want to repair a damaged glass as quickly as you can.

Take out any glass fragments that may still be in the frame. Wear gloves and double glazing companies eye protection when removing the glass, because it could be extremely sharp. Examine the floor for loose pieces once the shards are gone. It is also an excellent idea to search for any metal hooks that might be holding the panes in place and take them out also.

Once the glass has been removed, you'll have to take off the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires some 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 is recommended to begin at the top of the sash, and move down. This will prevent any wood or paint from the sash from sticking to the tool. If you do end up removing a portion 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 then sand the wood. When the wood is smooth then you can seal it using linseed or clear wood sealer. This will protect it against water and future damage.

There are a few quick solutions you can try for a window that is cracked by a double glazing companies (you could look here)-pane however, these methods will not repair the crack and should be used only as a temporary solution. Using a silicone caulk can help to seal the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a high-quality caulk that is applied using the proper methods.

Condensation

If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, this means that your window seal isn't working. This can be a problem because it prevents the gas or air that is used to insulate from being trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job correctly and this will lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming.

A double glazing specialist can easily repair this problem. Your window contractor will remove both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then, a new gasket will be blown into to form an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also use a special drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from occurring again.

The other reason why you might notice a misty appearance between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is that the framework has moved slightly over time, which can break the all-important seal. This can be a serious issue, since your windows won't function correctly and lose their energy efficiency.

It is possible to replace a double-glazed window's glass, however, this can be costly and is usually only required when the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed an issue with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty time, then it may be possible to get repaired for free or at a lesser cost.

It's worth checking the terms of your warranty prior to you contact the company to determine whether they are able to resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically come with an assurance of 10 to 20 years. You may find that the company can fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the situation they'll likely send out a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows. They can usually do this quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows and is also more sustainable for the environment as well!

Broken Locks & Handles

If your window handle is damaged or difficult to open, it could be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to gain entry into your home. There are a number of options to address this issue but the most effective solution is to connect with a uPVC professional. Depending on the severity of the problem they will usually be able to come and repair it for you or at a minimum, give you an alternative handle.

There are a number of different types of window locks. However, the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority uPVC frames. They lock using rods in the form of bayonets that can easily be jammed. If this occurs, the handle's nase is stuck in the out position and cannot be returned to the locked position wedged. This can be a very annoying problem, but it can be resolved by following a few easy steps.

To fix the issue, you'll need to take off the handle. This is simple enough using a screwdriver. After you have removed the handle, you will be able see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed you can then make use of pliers or a wrench to attempt to grab the bolts for the shoot. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may be different between the two windows) and create an "u" shape with your hand to grab the bolts.

If you manage to remove the shoot bolts, then you can shut your window by moving the handle to a closed position. However, it won't open again with the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, so the window can be opened with the handle (and it will remain secure) However, you'll require an entirely new handle and gearbox.

Broken Hinges

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

Remove the hinges. To do this, unscrew the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. Once you've removed the hinges and replaced them with plywood boards that are cut to the proper dimensions. Make sure that the plywood is larger than the original one to ensure it is able to support the weight of the window both open and closed. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left by the old hinge does not leak or break.

After you've re-installed the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need to paint them. Use a good paint to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.

Regular maintenance is also important for window hinges. Regularly cleaning the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure they look great for as long as you can.

Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows, and can help you save money on heating. However, like any other part of your home, your windows are susceptible to wear and tear and may require replacement or repair over time. Our Preston experts are able to assist you if there are signs that your double glazing window repairs-glazed windows are not working correctly.