Double Glazing Window Repairs: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Double Glazing Window Repairs Double glazing windows can be an investment of a lifetime, and you'll want to ensure that they appear and function as well as possible. These annoying problems such as the handle of a window that is difficult to operate or condensation, are often fixable. Repairing double-glazed windows is usually cheaper than replacing them. Cracked or broken panes Double-pane windows are usually more durable than single-pane windows however this doesn't mean that they won't be damaged. A pet slamming a vase over or a pebble from mower hitting a window or a heavy drink spilled on the top of a glass coffee table can all cause cracked or broken panes. If this happens, you'll want to get it fixed as soon as possible since cracks are likely to get worse over time. Luckily, it's fairly easy to replace a damaged double-pane window. It is important to remember however that this is a job that should be left to professionals who have the necessary deglazing tools to safely remove the old glass and then install a new one. You could suffer serious injuries if you try to do this without the right equipment. After you've removed the broken glass, clean up any splintered glass and clean any remaining putty from the frame. After that, soak the old putty in oil from linseed to allow it to soften so that you can cut it away from the frame and reveal the previous metal glazing points. Next, you'll need to determine the empty window frame's height and width, then buy a new piece of glass that is cut to the same dimensions. It's also a good idea to purchase new glazier's clips and points to help secure the glass in place. If your double-glazed windows are old, it may be better to invest in newer, energy efficient double glazing than to try and repair them. This will spare you the stress of dealing with cracked or broken panes, and provide you with better control over your home's energy costs. Also, older double-glazing isn't as effective in keeping warm air out during winter and in during summer and replacing it will make your home more comfortable. Water Leaks If water is oozing out from the window frame during rainy weather it could indicate that the double glazing seal has failed. This can be due to normal wear, but it could also be an indication of a window that has been poorly installed. The windows' flashing may have been installed incorrectly, or the house wrap might not have been removed completely. This can result in cold air entering the home, or cause water damage to other areas of the building. The issue gets worse when moisture finds an escape route and could result in black mold, which can cause health issues for your family. Leaking Windows are a serious issue, and should be fixed as soon possible. Doing this delay will increase the severity of the issue and lead to expensive repairs later on. Fortunately, many of these leaks can be avoided by regular maintenance. Monitoring the windows frequently for cracks and gaps is an excellent idea. If you find any issues, you can fill the gaps using caulking. This procedure is fairly easy and can be completed on a dry day, however, you must eliminate any grease or oil from the area before applying the caulking. It is also recommended that you make use of a caulking tool in order to simplify the process. After the caulking has been applied, it should be allowed to dry for a night before the window is opened. If the leaks are found to be more severe then a complete replacement of the frame may be necessary. This is a more expensive option however, it will yield the greatest results in terms of efficiency over time and protection from the elements. Condensation Condensation occurs when water vapour in the air turns liquid again when it comes into contact with an icy surface. If your windows show signs of condensation, it is often an indication that the sealant protecting the space between the panes has failed. This can cause damp or mould in your home. Modern double glazing is fitted with a “spacer bar” between the two glass panes. It is filled with silica gel which'sucks up' any moisture in the air gap between the two glass panes. If the seal fails, this silica gel can be saturated and not be able to stop condensation from forming. As the humidity inside your home increases, this will then 'fog up' the window and become difficult to get rid of. It's best to consult an expert. While there are some quick solutions that can help clear your double glazing, speaking to an expert is generally the most effective option. This will ensure that the root of your condensation is properly identified and repaired. They can advise you how to address the issue in the future. This means opening your windows and keeping your trickle-vents open. Double-glazing that's misted could be a serious issue. It could also indicate that the unit has blown. This means the seal is broken and warm air that you pay for, is exiting your home. is escaping your home. It is possible to repair a double-glazed window that has gone out, but it is a time-consuming and costly procedure. Lock Issues You may be noticing that the locks on double-glazed doors and windows have become stiff or difficult to open. This is a very common issue, and could be caused by the accumulation of heat or a locked mechanism that is stuck. It is recommended to contact your window company for advice on this as soon as you can. There are many different lock systems that can be put in place on uPVC Windows. The most popular are Maco window locks, Saracen window locks and Mila window locks. These locks often utilize bayonet rods to operate the locking cams that are shaped like mushrooms that then lock into window frames keeps. The handle extends from the spindle housing of the lock, and controls the drive gears and gearboxes to open and shut the window. If you're having trouble opening your uPVC window the first thing you should ensure is that the hinges remain in good condition and are not damaged or loose. glass glazier can also slide a credit card in between the sash frame and determine if they are able to move freely. If it doesn't move at all it is time to contact an expert glazier since it could be a sign of a broken hinge or lock that is damaged. It is crucial not to push your locks on your windows or doors since this could cause damage and could lead to additional costly repairs. It is crucial to check your doors and windows regularly to ensure they are working correctly. An expert can perform an annual window health check to spot problems before they worsen. This will save you money and enable you to implement cost-saving strategies. Wear and tear signs Double glazing can be effective to increase insulation in your home. However windows that are energy efficient aren't long-lasting. If you start to notice signs that your windows are starting to fail, it's crucial to act swiftly. If you don't act quickly, you could be faced with costly repair costs or even lose the efficiency of your home. Condensation between the glass panes is one the most commonly-cited signs that your double-glazed windows need repair. This is an indication that your seals are beginning to fail, which could cause a decrease in energy efficiency and higher heating costs. If you don't act promptly, the issue will only get worse with time. Contact a company that specializes in window repair for double glazing immediately if you can. Another sign that your double glazed windows are in need or repair is when the glass becomes foggy or cloudy. This is an indication of damage to the IGU (insulated unit). It could be caused by many things, such as rapid temperature fluctuations or collisions, or even damage. This can be triggered by moisture ingress and that's why it is important to get any damage repaired as soon as possible. If you are noticing a lot of air draughts entering your home Your double-glazed windows are in need of fixing. A broken seal will allow cold air to enter your home, increasing your heating and cooling bills. A quick phone call to your local FENSA-approved double-glazing repair expert will get the issue solved in no time. This is a particularly good idea during the winter, when contractors are not as busy and can offer the service at a reduced price.