How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct indications that your double glazed windows need repair. Water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious sign of damage to the window and must be repaired in the shortest time possible.
However, misting could be an indication that your window seals are in need of replacing. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and prevent leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows confront. Although double-pane windows are less likely to break than single pane windows, accidents do occur and you'll want to repair a damaged window as quickly as possible.
The first step is to get rid of any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Be sure to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection when doing this, as glass can be very sharp. After the shards have been removed, inspect the floor of your home for any other pieces that are loose. Also, it's recommended to look for any metal hooks that may be holding the panes together and take them out as well.
After the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass to the window frame), and replace them with new ones. It is a long-winded procedure and requires a few tools to complete the task. You will require latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, a heatgun and a putty blade.
When you are removing the old glazing compound and points it is recommended to begin at the top of the sash, and begin to work your way down. This will help you avoid getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to the tool. If you're looking to remove some of the wood from the sash, employ a utility knife or a chisel instead of chemical strippers, which could cause damage.
When you're done make sure you remove any wood that is not sanded to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth then you can seal it using linseed or clear wood sealer. This will help protect it from water and further damage.
There are a few easy fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window However, these solutions will not repair the crack and should be used only as a temporary solution. The use of a silicone caulk may help seal the gap, but you need to make sure that you use a high-quality caulk and follow proper application methods.
Condensation
If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing, this means that the window seal has failed. This could be a major issue as it stops the gas or air that acts as an insulation from being trapped between two panes.
A double glazing specialist can easily fix this issue. To fix the problem your window company will take out the affected window sash and IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting into a new gasket to create a sturdy and airtight seal that will stop condensation from happening again. They will also apply a drying agent to help the area dry out and stop the condensation from occurring again.
The other reason why you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the frame has moved over time, which breaks the crucial seal. This can be a serious issue, since windows that are not functioning correctly and lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed Windows however, it can be extremely expensive and is usually only needed if there are severe problems with the window that are beyond repair. If you've noticed a fault in your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period, then it may be possible to have the issue fixed for free or at least at a lower cost.
Review your warranty's terms prior to making contact with the company to determine whether they can solve the problem without replacing the whole window. Double-glazed windows typically come with an assurance of 10 to 20 years. You might find that the company can repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows and are usually capable of doing it quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment!
repair double glazing windows & Handles
If your window handle is broken or hard to open, it could be a huge issue as it makes it impossible to use your windows. This could also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are many solutions to this problem however the most effective option is to speak with an uPVC professional. They will be able to fix the issue for you, or provide you with a replacement handle.
There are many kinds of window locks, however, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila locks that are commonly found on uPVC frames. These locks use bayonet style rods to lock, and they can easily seize up. If this happens, the handle's nose is stuck in the out position and cannot be returned to the wedged locked position. This can be a annoying issue, but it is able to be resolved by following a few easy steps.
To fix the issue, you'll need to remove the handle. This should be simple enough using a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you will be in a position to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you can try to grab the bolts using a wrench or pair of pliers. If this doesn't work then you can put the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may be different at each end of the windows) and create an "u" shape using your hands to grasp the bolts.
If you manage to free up the bolts for shooting, you can shut your window by adjusting the handle to a closed position. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is probably faulty and will not open by the handle. It is possible to replace the gearbox without the shoot bolts thus the window will be opened using the handle (and will still be secure) however, you'll have to purchase an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
It is possible to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they're not functioning smoothly. It could be because the window was opened too vigorously or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a problem. It's simple to repair the hinge so you don't have to buy new windows.
Take off the hinges. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. After the hinges have been removed then you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the correct size. The plywood should be thicker than the original one to be able to withstand the weight when the window is shut and opened. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is completely filled and won't leak or become loose in the near future.
After you've filled in the holes and put on hinges, you'll have to paint the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as is possible. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. Regularly cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also use wood preservatives to shield them from the elements. This will prevent corrosion and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can.
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, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and may need repairing or replacing in time. Our Preston experts can assist you if there are signs that your double-glazed windows are not functioning properly.