10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Repair Double Glazed Windows
How to Repair Double Glazed Windows
There are a few distinct indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows require repair. Water ingress and draughts are obvious signs of damage to the frames of your windows. They must be fixed as soon as is possible.
However, misting could be a sign that your window seals need replacing. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and stop draughts, leaks, or condensation.
Broken Panes
One of the most frequent problems that a double-glazed window faces is broken glass. Double-pane windows are harder to break than single panes, yet accidents can still occur. You should repair broken glass as soon as possible.
The first step is to take out any loose shards of glass that remain in the frame. Don't forget to wear eye protection and gloves while doing this, as glass can be sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that have fallen off after the shards have been removed. Also, it's recommended to search for any metal hooks that could be holding the panes in place and take them out also.
After the glass is removed and the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glass compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass in the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. This can be a lengthy process and you will need some tools to get the job done. You will need latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers heat gun and a putty blade.
It's best to start at the top and work your way down in removing the old points and glazing compound. This will stop any wood or paint from the sash from adhering to the tool. If you're looking to remove a portion of the wood from the sash use the utility knife or chipper instead of chemical strippers, which can cause damage.
After you've finished make sure you remove any wood that is not sanded to smooth it. Once it's smooth, you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to shield it from future water damage.
There are a few simple fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window, but these methods won't fix the crack and should be used only as a temporary solution. The use of a silicone caulk may help to seal the gap, but it's important to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk that is applied using the proper methods.
Condensation
If you've noticed water or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it's a sign 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 getting trapped between the two panes of glass, so it won't do its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations which can cause condensation to form.
Fortunately, this can be fixed by an expert in double glazing. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then the gasket will be blown in to form an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They'll also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area and help stop the condensation from happening again.
You may also notice the glass panes are a little cloudy in double-glazed windows when the frame has changed position over time. This could cause the seal to break. This can be a serious issue, since your windows won't function properly and lose their energy efficiency.
While it is possible to repair the 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. However, if you've discovered a fault in your double-glazed windows, and you're still within the warranty time it could be possible to get the issue fixed for free or at a reduced cost.
It's worth checking the conditions of your warranty prior to you contact the company to see whether they are able to solve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find that they're able to repair the defective window units instead of replacing them completely. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double glazed windows and will typically be capable of doing it quickly. This is a much cheaper option than buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows, and it's better for the environment too!
Broken Locks & Handles
It can be a big issue if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able use your windows. This can also give burglars the chance to break into your home. There are many options to address this issue, but the best option is to get in touch with a uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the issue they will usually be able to fix it for you, or at the very least, provide you with a new handle.
There are a few different kinds of window locks but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks that are found on most uPVC frames. They lock using rods in the form of bayonets that can easily become jammed. If this happens, the handle's nose will be stuck in the popped out position and won't be able to return to the wedged locked position. This can be a frustrating issue, but it can be solved by following a few steps.
To fix the problem you must first remove the handle. This should be easy enough with a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you should then be aware of the screws holding the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you can make use of pliers or a wrench to try to grab the bolts for the shoot. If this doesn't work it is possible to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap can be different at each end of the window) and create an "u" shape with your hands to attempt to grasp the bolts.
If you can manage to remove the bolts that shoot, then you can close the window by adjusting the handle to the closed position. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is most likely damaged, so it will not open with the handle. It is possible to replace the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened using the handle (and is still secure) however, you'll have to purchase an entirely new handle and gearbox.
Broken Hinges
If your uPVC window hinges are no working properly and smoothly, you might need to have them repaired or replaced. Whether this is due to them being opened by too much force, the hinge snapping or dropping or they had a fault in the first place the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. Thankfully the replacement of the hinge is easy and quick and there's no need to purchase windows that are new and you can have the old ones repaired instead.
First, you'll need to take off the hinges that are currently in place. This is done by unscrewing the screws that hold the hinges to the frame. Once 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 thicker than the original board so that it can withstand the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also want to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is completely filled and will not leak or loosen in the future.
Once you've replaced the hinges and filled in the holes, you'll need paint them. Make sure you employ a top-quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as is possible. Once the paint has dried it is possible to reattach the window. Tighten any loose screws.
Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can help them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also apply a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, which can help to prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as possible.
Double-glazed windows can help you reduce your heating bills, as it is more energy efficient than windows with a single glazing. Like every other component of your home windows, they will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If double glazing repairs noticing any indications that your double glazed windows aren't functioning properly, it's worth getting them checked by our experts in Preston.