How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows require to be repaired. Draughts and water ingress are clear indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They should be repaired as quickly as possible.

The misting could also mean that the window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing your window seals will solve the issue, and will stop leaks, draughts or condensation.

Broken Panes

Broken glass is among the most frequent problems that double glazed window repair-glazed windows confront. Double-pane windows are harder to break than single panes, yet accidents can still happen. You should repair the damaged glass as quickly as you can.

The first step is to take out any loose shards of glass that are still 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, look around the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. Also, it's recommended to search for any hooks of metal that could be keeping the panes in place and pull these out too.

After the glass has been removed, you'll have to take off the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass in the frame of the window) and replace them with new ones. It is a long-winded procedure, and you'll need some tools to complete the task. These include latex glazing putty, metal glazing points; pliers; a heat gun, and a putty knife.

It's best to start at the top and work your way down when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will stop any wood or Repair Double Glazed Windows paint that is removed that is left in the sash from sticking to the tool. If you're looking to remove some of the wood from the sash, make use of an utility knife or chisel instead of chemical strippers which could cause damage.

Finally, when you're finished ensure that you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will help protect it from future water damage.

You can use some quick fixes to fix a cracked double pane window. However, these solutions are not a solution to repair the damage and should only serve as an interim solution. The use of silicone caulk can aid in sealing the gap. However, it is important to use a high-quality caulk and proper application methods.

Condensation

If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing panels glazing, it means that one of your windows has a failed seal. This can be a problem because it stops the gas or air that is used to insulate from being trapped between the two glass panes, so it won't do its job correctly and this can lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form.

A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. To resolve the issue, your window contractor will remove the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting in a new gasket. This will create a strong and airtight seal that will prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also employ drying agents to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from recurring.

The other reason why you may notice mist between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is that the frame has moved over time, which can break the all-important seal. This can be a problem as it means that your windows won't work correctly and will lose their energy efficiency.

Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed window, this can be very expensive and is usually only needed if there are severe problems with the window that is beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed window and are still within the warranty period, you might be able get it repaired for free or at lower cost.

Verify the warranty conditions prior to contacting the company to determine whether they can fix the problem without replacing the whole window. Double-glazed windows typically come with warranties of between 10 and 20 years. It is possible that the company is able to repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and are usually in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double-glazed windows and is also better for the environment!

Broken Locks & Handles

If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it can be a huge issue as it makes it impossible to use your windows. This could also give burglars the chance to break into your home. There are a variety of solutions to address the issue but the best option is to call a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the issue they are able to usually fix it for you, or at a minimum, give you a replacement handle.

There are a few different kinds of window locks, however, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila locks which are typically found on uPVC frames. They lock using bayonet-style rods, which can easily jam. If this occurs, the handle's nase will remain in the out position and cannot be returned to the wedged locked position. This could be a frustrating problem, but it can be fixed with a few easy steps.

To fix the issue to fix the issue, you'll need to first take off the handle, which should be done with the aid of a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you should then be in a position to see the screws holding the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to attempt to grab the shoot bolts. If this fails then you can place the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different at the ends of the windows) and then make an "u" shape with your hand to grab the bolts.

If you are able to unblock the shoot bolts, then you can close your window by moving the handle to the closed position. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is likely to be damaged and won't open with the handle. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened with the handle (and will still be secure), but you will require an entirely new handle and gearbox.

Broken Hinges

You may need to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they're not operating properly. It could be due to the hinges being opened with too much force, the hinge snapping or dropping or they were defective in the first place, it can cause problems that make it difficult to use your window. It's easy to replace the hinge, so you don't have to buy new windows.

Remove the hinges. This is done by removing the screws that attach the hinges to the frame. Once the hinges have been removed you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the right size. The plywood should be thicker than the hinges that came with it to help support the weight of the window when it is shut and opened. It is also recommended to use wood filler to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled completely and won't leak or become loose in the future.

After you've re-installed hinges and filled the holes, you'll need to paint them. Use a quality paint to make sure it lasts as long as it can. Once the paint is dry it is possible to reattach the window and tighten any loose screws.

Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. You can help them last longer by regularly cleaning the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, which will help to keep them from rust and maintain their appearance for as long as is possible.

Having a double glazed window can help you reduce your heating bills, since it's more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. However, like any other component of your home, your windows will show wear and tear and could require repair or replacement double glazing in time. Our Preston experts can help you if there are indications that your double-glazed windows are not functioning properly.