Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me

Double glazing creates a thermal barrier to help reduce energy bills. If they are damaged, or do not work properly, heat or cold could escape or enter your home, thereby increasing the cost to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Most of these problems are easily fixed, preventing you from having to replace your double glazing. Here's how to identify and fix common problems.

Broken Panes

Broken glass is among the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows and doors have to deal with. Cracks can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether a pebble from mowers lands in windows, or an accident occurs with a vase. Fortunately, they are usually easy to fix. You should always consult a double glazing panels glazing specialist for the best results. They will have the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that your repair is safe and efficient. You'll receive a warranty on their work, which you will not receive if you try to fix the problem yourself.

A double glazing company can eliminate the mist that forms between two panes. To fix this they'll take off the glass that has been affected, clean up the edges, and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. After that the seal needs to be created to prevent the problem from recurring.

Double-glazed windows may develop cracks that extend across both panes. This is usually due to an problem with the frame of the window. It's an even more serious issue that requires repair rather than replacing one glass pane.

In addition to reducing heat and light transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass can leave your home looking unsightly and could even be dangerous if the crack is wide enough to allow debris or rainwater through. You can keep your damaged doors and windows in working in good order by putting a strip of strong-hold adhesive tape on both sides. This can stop superficial cracks from getting worse, especially stress cracks caused by temperature fluctuations.

Double glazing repairs typically involve fixing frames that are difficult to open or have sagged. Making the effort to fix these issues by yourself is time-consuming and potentially risky if you don't have the proper equipment. If you're able to try, you can lubricate the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil to see if it helps. If the issue is more serious, you should check with the company from which you bought your double glazing. They might be willing to come out and repair it.

Misting

A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. It occurs when the space between the panes becomes dirty and it causes a water droplet to be trapped inside the glass. This can be very unappealing and is crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible. It's also a safety issue and could cause injury if people walk past the windows or if children are playing in front of them.

The mist between windows can be caused from a variety of things like condensation, air infiltration or even the growth of plants. This is particularly dangerous, as epiphytic plants like orchids and airplants depend on moisture to survive. If you suspect that this is the case, then you should consult a professional double glazing repair company and have them inspect the issue. In some instances windows, they may just require cleaning. However, in other instances, it could be necessary for one or more panes to be replaced.

A slight warping of the frame may also cause misting. This is usually the case in areas with extreme weather, and can cause the frame to expand or shrink and this can cause the seal to crack. This is a simple fix that can be performed in conjunction with other repairs.

Sagging or difficult-to-open double glazing is often the result of temperatures that fluctuate and can be solved by wiping the frames clean with cold water and lubricating the handles, mechanisms, hinges and any other places they pass through the frame. If the problem persists it is worth checking whether the company that supplied you with the double-glazed unit has a warranty covering the issue and what its terms are.

Repairing double glazing is a cheaper and local more practical alternative to replacing your windows. It is essential to find a tradesperson that has been verified and checked by Checkatrade before committing to any work.

Draughts

A drafty door is one of the most common problems that double glazing owners have to face. These cold air gusts are a waste of energy, and they can also hinder you from enjoying the warmth of your home.

When new double glazed units are installed, they are equipped with seals that will keep the cold air out while allowing the warmth in. However, these seals may be damaged over time, especially when they are constantly shut and opened air ventilation. This means that the insulation properties of your double glazing may be reduced, leading to the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.

The majority of draughts can be fixed without replacing windows or doors. Cleaning and lubricating the hinges, mechanisms and handles can help. If your sash windows have trouble closing properly, you may also need to check the locks. If you find that your uPVC or double glazing isn't easy to close or open, it's worth getting in touch with the business you purchased it from to see what you can do to fix it.

Another good option is to use an expert in draughtproofing to complete some DIY work around your home. They'll have access specialist tools that are able to find and fix draughts from any location in your home. Choose a professional who is certified by Checkatrade accreditation. This means that they have been thoroughly vetted, and screened.

Enter your postcode in the search box on the Checkatrade website to find an expert in draughtproofing. This will provide you with the names of local traders who are proficient in this area.

Draught proofing is comparatively inexpensive and affordable, particularly if you locate a professional who provides an initial quote. The cost will vary based on the size of your home and the number of draughts that are found and fixed. However the amount you can save on your energy bill is likely to be more than offset any costs associated with the treatment of your draughts.

Broken Seals

As time goes by, the seals that keep your multi-pane windows together could fail. This could cause numerous issues, including misting, and even water damage. Many double glazing companies will solve this issue for you, saving you the expense of a full replacement. In some cases it may require defogging the glass or reinstating the argon units. This should be performed by a professional, as the process can take a bit of time and requires a special vacuum pump to remove moisture, then fill the gap with argon gas and then seal it.

Windows that are cloudy are a sure indication that the seals failed and the insulating argon, or krypton gas that was vacuum-sealed between the two panes is now escaping and your window is now susceptible to condensation. The moisture may etch the glass, giving it a cloudy and misty appearance on either side of the windows.

If you have installed your wood double glazing windows glazing recently it is possible that the warranty remains valid. In this scenario, either the original installer or the window manufacturer would cover the cost of repair or replacement. If you decide to repair the damaged seal instead, it is important to know that you will not receive the same energy savings from an entirely new replacement unit.

Often, the best alternative is to locate an expert local tradesman who specializes in repairs to double glazing near me. They can complete the task quickly, efficiently and without causing major disruptions to your home. Additionally, you can get an assurance that the business will correct the issue for free if the issue occurs again in the future.

It is also worth remembering that a double-glazed repair isn't limited to the replacement of glass units but also includes any door sundries like letterboxes and doors - whether they are toughened safety glass or Georgian and leaded effects. They can become damaged or worn over time, and should be replaced too if they become difficult to open, or drop or slide.