How to Repair Double Glazed Windows

There are a few indicators that indicate your double-glazed windows require to be fixed. Evidently, water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious indication of damage to your windows and must be fixed in the shortest time possible.

However, misting may be an indication that your window seals require replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue and stop draughts, leaks or condensation.

Broken Panes

One of the most common issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. Although double-pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane windows However, accidents do occur and you'll want to repair a broken window as soon as you can.

Take out any glass fragments that might remain in the frame. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves when doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. Be sure to check the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. Also, it's a good idea to look for any metal hooks that could be keeping the panes in place and remove them too.

Once the glass is removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass into the window frame), and replace them with new ones. This is a time-consuming process and you will need several tools to accomplish the task. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade.

It is best to begin at the top and work your way down when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will stop any wood or paint from the sash from sticking to your tool. Also, if you do remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, ensure that you employ a chisel or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper as this can cause damage.

When you're done, be sure to sand any bare wood to smooth it. When it's smooth then you can apply the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer to protect it from water and further damage.

You can use a few quick solutions to repair a cracked double pane window. But these fixes will not repair the damage and should only be used as an interim solution. Use of silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However it is essential to use high-quality caulk with the correct application techniques.

Condensation

If you've noticed any moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it's a sign that one of your windows has a broken seal. This could be a major issue as it stops the gas or air that acts as an insulation from being trapped between two panes.

Fortunately, the issue can be fixed by an expert in double glazing. Your window contractor will remove both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then a new gasket is blown in to create an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They will also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from happening again.

Another reason you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows that are double-glazed is that the frame has moved over time, which can break the seal that is so crucial. This can be a major issue as it means that your windows will not function correctly and will lose their energy efficiency.

Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed Window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only required if there are severe issues with the window that is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period, then it may be possible to get the issue fixed for free or at least at a lesser cost.

Verify the warranty conditions prior to making contact with the company to determine whether they can solve the issue without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they are able to repair defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows, and it's more sustainable for the environment as well!


Broken Locks & Handles

It can be a huge issue if your window handle is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able use your windows. It could also give burglars an opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are several solutions to address the issue but the best option is to call an uPVC expert. They can repair the problem for you, or at the very least give you a replacement handle.

There are repair double glazing windows of window locks, but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks that are commonly found on uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock and these are very easy to seize up. If this happens, the handle's nose is stuck in the out position and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This could be a frustrating problem, but can be solved by following a few simple steps.

To fix the problem, you will need to first remove the handle. This should be done with a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you'll be able to see the screws holding the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you can attempt to grab the bolts with an awl or a pair of pliers. If this doesn't work it is possible to insert the tool through the gap between the frame and window (the gap may be different at each end of the window) and make a "u" shape with your hands to try to grab the shoot bolts.

You can close your window by adjusting the handle back to its closed position if you are capable of removing the bolts for shooting. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is most likely damaged and won't open by the handle. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened using the handle (and will still be secure), but you will require a new handle and gearbox.

Broken Hinges

It is possible to repair or replace 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 and dropping or if they were defective in the first place and it causes problems that make it difficult to use your window. It's easy to replace the hinge, so you don't have to purchase new windows.

Remove the hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After the hinges are removed then you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the correct size. Make sure that the plywood is more robust than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window both shut and open. It is also recommended to use wood filler to ensure that the hole that was left by the hinge is completely filled and won't leak or become loose in the future.

After you've filled in the holes and replaced hinges, you'll have to paint the doors. Make sure you employ a top-quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as is possible. Once the paint has dried, you can reattach the window. Tighten any loose screws.

Regular maintenance is essential for window hinges. Cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will ensure they last longer. You can also apply wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and keep them looking great for as long as you can.

Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows and will save you money on heating. Like every other component of your home windows, they will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. Our Preston experts are able to assist you if you observe any signs that the double-glazed windows you have aren't working correctly.