How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows require repair. Evidently, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious indication of window damage and must be fixed as soon as possible.
Misting may also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue and prevent leaks, draughts, or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most common issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. While double pane windows are more difficult to break than single pane windows However, accidents do occur and you'll want to repair a broken window as quickly as possible.
The first step is to take out any glass fragments that are loose that are still in the frame. Don't forget to wear gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be very sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that have fallen off after the shards are gone. Also, it's recommended to look for any metal hooks that may be holding the panes in place and pull these out too.
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 is a long-winded procedure, and you'll need a few tools to accomplish the task. This includes latex glazing putty; metal glazing points, pliers, a heat gun and a putty knife.
It's best to begin at the top and work your way downwards when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the sash's paint or wood stuck to the tool. If you have to remove a portion of the wood from the sash, use a utility knife or a chipper instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage.
After you've finished make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth then you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will protect it against water and future damage.
There are a few easy solutions you can try for a cracked double-pane window However, these solutions will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. The use of a silicone caulk may help to seal the gap, but you need to ensure that you choose a high-quality caulk that is applied using the proper methods.
Condensation
If you notice any moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes, this means that your window seal isn't working. This could be a significant issue as it stops the insulating gas or air from being trapped between two panes.
A double glazing specialist can easily fix this issue. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then a new gasket is blown in to form an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring in the future. They will also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and stop the condensation from recurring.
The other reason why you may notice mist between the glass panes of windows with double glazing is because the framework has shifted over time, which breaks the crucial seal. This could be a major problem, as your windows will not work properly and lose their energy efficiency.
Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only required when there are serious issues with the window that are beyond repair. If you've noticed an issue with your double-glazed windows, and you're still within the warranty time it could be possible to have it fixed for free or at a reduced cost.
Check your warranty terms before contacting the company to determine whether they can fix the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find they're able to repair the faulty window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows and are usually in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment!
Broken Locks & Handles
When your window handle is broken or hard to open, it could be a major issue since it prevents you from using your windows. This could also give burglars the opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are several ways to fix this however the most effective option is to connect with an uPVC professional. Depending on the severity of the problem they are able to usually come and repair it for you or at a minimum, give you an alternative handle.
There are many different types of window locks, but the most well-known is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods to lock, and they are very easy to seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it will not return to its wedged locked position. This could be a difficult problem, but it can be solved by following a few steps.
To fix the issue you'll need to remove the handle. This is simple enough with the help of a screwdriver. After removing the handle, you will be able see the screws that secure the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed you can then use a wrench or pliers to attempt to grab the shoot bolts. If this is unsuccessful it is possible to insert the tool into the gap between the window and frame (the gap can be different at each end of the window) and make a "u" shape with your hands to attempt to grab the shoot bolts.
You can close your window by adjusting the handle to a closed position if you are capable of removing the bolts for shooting. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is most likely damaged, so it will not open when you pull the handle. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts, which means that the window can be opened using the handle (and it will remain secure), but you will have to purchase the new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly and smoothly, you might need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be due to them having been opened with too much force the hinge snapping and dropping or they had a fault to begin with the issue could cause issues that make it difficult to use your window. Luckily the replacement of the hinge is easy and quick and there's no need to buy a new window - you can simply get your old ones fixed instead.
The first step is to remove the hinges currently installed. To do this, remove the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After the hinges have been removed you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the proper size. Make sure the plywood is more robust than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window when it is closed and open. Use double glazing repairers to ensure that the hole left behind by the old hinge does not leak or loosen.
Once you've replaced the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need paint them. Use a quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. After the paint has dried and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws.
Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. You can ensure they last longer by cleaning them regularly on the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply a wood preservative to protect them from the elements, which can help to keep them from rust and keep them looking great for as long as is possible.
A double-glazed window can help you save money on heating, since it is more energy efficient than windows with a single glazing. As with any part of your home, your windows will eventually require to be replaced or repaired. Our Preston experts can assist you if you notice any signs that your double-glazed windows aren't working correctly.