Double Glazed Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing can reduce energy bills by creating a thermal barrier. If they are damaged, or if they are not functioning correctly, cold or heat could escape or enter your home, increasing the cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
The majority of these issues can be easily fixable, saving you from having to replace your double glazing. Here's how you can identify and fix common issues.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows and doors encounter. It doesn't matter if it's a small piece from the lawnmower that flies against a window, or an accident with your favorite vase, cracks are easy enough to happen and can be extremely annoying. The majority of cracks can be repaired. For the best results it is recommended to contact a double glazing professional. They'll have the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that the repair is safe and effective. You'll get a guarantee on their work, which you will not get if you attempt to repair the work yourself.
Mist between the two double-glazed glass panes is another common problem which can be easily addressed by an expert repair service for double glazing. To do so they'll take off the glass that has been affected, clean up the edges, and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. Following this the seal needs to be created to prevent the problem from recurring.
Sometimes, double-glazed windows may develop cracks that extend all across both glass panes. This is usually the result of an issue with the frame of the window and is a more serious issue that requires repair rather than replacing a single pane.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass can make your home look ugly and could even be dangerous when the crack is large enough to allow rainwater or debris through. It is possible to keep cracked doors and windows in good condition by placing a strip of strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can help keep superficial cracks from getting worse - particularly stress cracks caused by changing temperatures.
Most often, double glazing repairs will involve fixing frames that are difficult to open or that have been sagging. If you don't have the appropriate tools, it could be risky and time-consuming attempt to fix these issues yourself. If you're able to, try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms and handles with oil to see if that will help. If the problem is serious then contact the company who sold you the double glazing. They might be able to help you fix it.
Misting
Misting is a common problem for double glazing, and it is easily fixed by a tradesperson who specialises in this kind of work. It happens when the gap between the panes becomes dirty, causing drops of water to become trapped within the glass. It can be very unsightly and therefore it is important to repair it as quickly as you can. It's also a security issue and could cause injury when people walk by the windows or even when children play in front of them.
The mist between windows can be the result of a range of causes like condensation, air infiltration or even plant growth. This is especially dangerous, as epiphytic plants like orchids and airplants depend on moisture for survival. If you suspect that this is the case, you should consult a professional double glazing repair company and ask them to examine the problem. In many cases, the windows will simply need to be wiped down however in some cases, it may be necessary to replace one or more panes.
Another reason for misting is when the frame is a little warped. double glazed repair is common in areas with extreme weather conditions. The frame may expand or contract, causing the seal to fail. This is a relatively easy fix that can be done in conjunction with other repairs.
Difficult-to-open or sagging double glazing is often caused by temperature fluctuations and can be resolved by wiping the frames clean with cold water and lubricating handles hinges, mechanisms, and any other places they pass through the frame. This will often help to resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, then it is worth checking whether the company you bought the double glazing from has an insurance policy that covers this and what the terms are of it.
Repairing double glazing is a more affordable and more convenient alternative to replacing your windows. It is essential to find a tradesperson that has been vetted and checked by Checkatrade before signing any contract.
Draughts
A draught around your doors is one of the most common issues double glazing owners must confront. These cold air gusts are unproductive and can prevent you from enjoying an inviting, warm home.
When new double glazed units are installed, they come with seals that keep the cold air out while allowing the heat in. These seals can break down in time if they're continuously closed and opened to allow air circulation. This means that the insulation properties of your double glazing could be reduced, which could result in the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.
The good news is that the majority of draughts can be corrected without the need for replacement doors or windows. Cleaning and lubricating hinges, mechanisms and handles can help. You might also need to examine the locks on your sash window when they're not closing correctly. If you find that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or shut, you should call the company from where you purchased it to inquire about what they can do.
A professional in draught-proofing can help you with some DIY projects around your home. They'll have the equipment to correct draughts within any area of your home. It is a good idea to choose a contractor with Checkatrade accreditation to ensure that they have been thoroughly examined and vetted.
Enter your postcode into the search box on the Checkatrade site to locate a specialist in draught-proofing. This will provide you with a list of local traders who are proficient in this area.
Draught proofing is relatively cheap, especially if you can locate a professional who provides an initial quote. The cost will vary based on the size of your house and the amount of draughts that are found and repaired. The amount you can save by reducing your energy bills will likely more than offset the costs.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the seals holding your windows with multiple panes can fail. This can cause a number of issues, including water damage and misting. The good news is that many double glazing companies can solve this for you, and even save the cost of a complete replacement. In some instances it may require defogging the glass or replacing the argon units. This should be performed by a professional, since the process can take some time and requires a special vacuum pump to remove moisture, refill the empty space with argon gas, and then reseal.
Foggy windows are an indication that the seals failed and that the gas used to insulate Krypton or argon that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes of glass has disappeared. This makes your window vulnerable to condensation. This moisture can then etch the glass and cause clouds or mists that is impossible to remove from either side of the window.
If you have recently installed your double-glazed unit, it is possible that it might remain under warranty, and in this case the original installer or manufacturer will probably pay for the repair or replacement cost. If you decide to repair the broken seal instead, it is crucial to be aware that you will not receive the same energy savings from an entirely new replacement unit.
Most of the time, the best alternative is to locate a local tradesman who specialises in repairs to double-glazing near me. They will be able complete the job in a short time, efficiently and without causing any major disruptions to your home. You will also receive assurance that the company will correct the issue without cost if it occurs again in the future.
It is also important to note that a double-glazed repair doesn't just refer to the replacement of the glass units but also includes any door sundries, such as letterboxes and doors - whether they're toughened security glass or Georgian and leaded effect. They may be damaged or worn out over time, and need to be replaced too if they become difficult to open, or drop or drop or sag.