Why Double Glazing Repair Is Important
Double glazing that fails can cause your energy bills to go up. It doesn't just block views and blocks sunlight, but also lets cold air to escape. Many companies offer warranties for their windows of 10 to 20 years so it's worth checking whether your windows are covered.
Reliable tradespeople will repair your double-glazed windows quicker than you imagine and with less mess. They will also give you a guarantee, which is something that you won't be able to get when you attempt to fix it yourself.
Frames
The frames of your double glazed windows should be strong, sturdy and able to protect against the elements. They should also be energy efficient, keeping warm air in during winter and stopping hot air from escape in summer.
Over time, frames will become damaged. This can be caused by various factors, including weather conditions, repeated closing and opening of doors and windows and the repeated use. These issues shouldn't be overlooked, regardless of their cause.
It's often possible to repair your double-glazed doors and windows instead of replacing them. This will save you money and will ensure that your home is cozy, safe, and secure.
It is advisable to get quotes from a few firms when you are looking to repair double glazing, as prices can differ significantly. Keep in mind that the most affordable estimate doesn't mean it's the best, and you should also ask for any guarantees included with the work.
According to a survey conducted by SEH BAC, the most frequent problem faced by double glazing owners following installation was that their window or doors were difficult to open. Three out of 10 respondents were able to report this issue. It could be due to the weather, a problem with the hinge or mechanism or even the doors or windows dropping or sagging over time and in many cases can be fixed simply by cooling the handle or mechanism or lubricating it.
Double glazing can also be affected by condensation between the panes. This can be due to many reasons like inadequate ventilation or our own habits, like closing windows after showering or cooking. This could be a major issue for your home because it can reduce the energy efficiency of windows and allow moisture to leak into the frames or cills which can cause mould or rot.
This is often very difficult to repair and in some instances may mean that the whole pane of glass must be replaced. This is normally an option that is a good idea since it gives you the advantages of the original double glazing, as well as increase the insulation of your home.
Glass
Double glazing is the combination of two panes with an air gap between them. The gap is typically filled with argon, an inert gas that acts as an insulator, helping to keep heat in and cold out. These gases, when installed correctly create a barrier that assists in preventing the draughts. This will also increase the energy efficiency of your house.
One of the most frequent issues reported by double-glazed owners of doors and windows is that their windows and doors are becoming difficult to open and close. This could be due various factors, such as warping of the frames or changing temperatures that cause the materials expand and shrink slightly.
Clean the frames with a damp cloth to resolve this issue. This will ease the movement, and may be sufficient to resolve the issue temporarily. If however, you notice that your double-glazed is becoming harder and harder to close and open or it has stopped working completely, then it is likely time to think about replacing it with new energy-efficient double glazing.
Another issue that may occur with double-glazed windows is condensation that forms between the panes of glass. This could be an indication of an issue with the seals as it indicates that the gap between the panes is no more airtight. The good news is that a specialized tool can be used to make an airtight seal and prevent moisture from forming between the panes.
If you aren't sure whether your double glazing is due for replacement or repair, you should always contact the company that you bought it from. They should have given you a an assurance, typically of 10 or 20 years but some companies provide lifetime guarantees. Contact them promptly either by phone or personally. Then follow up with a formal letter to ensure that everything is documented. This will make it easier to take action in the event that the company isn't helpful, or fails to resolve the issue.
Gaskets
The gasket is a sealing composed of rubber. It is placed around your doors and windows to protect you from weather damage between the frame, sash, or glass. It blocks drafts, water penetration or condensation from entering between the panes. It may also protect against damage to the unit itself. Therefore, a high-quality gasket is a crucial component of your double glazing system. It should be regularly inspected for signs of wear and wear and tear.
Window gaskets come in a variety of colors and styles that can be a perfect match for the double-glazed window units you have. They are usually made of an enduring material like TPR (Thermoplastic rubber) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) according to your preferred style. The best gasket will offer optimal performance and longevity. For repair double glazing window , a bubble seal is ideal for uPVC and metal frames, whereas wedge seals are ideal for traditional timber frames or aluminium windows.
Along with providing an airtight seal, window gaskets help to absorb sound waves, resulting in a an acoustic environment for your home. This is particularly important in winter months, when cold air can be able to enter your home through gaps between the frame and the window. Replacing deteriorating gaskets is an affordable and efficient way to increase the comfort of your home during the colder months.
In most cases, it's not necessary to replace your entire window unit when gaskets begin to wear out. Our professional and highly skilled team can often replace these quickly and cost-effectively to give you an unbeatable and long-lasting weather seal that can improve your home's performance.
In cases where it is not possible to replace the gaskets, preformed silicon overlays or gaskets can be sprayed directly on the frame and then spliced together to create a more aesthetic solution. This is a great option for repairing older windows with poor tolerances and stress points, or in cases where the original sealing has become damaged due to exposure to extreme weather conditions. A certified glazier will be able to advise you on the most appropriate replacement options for your windows.
Locks
A uPVC double-glazed window that won't close correctly is not just a nuisance however, it also allows draughts and valuable heat to escape. This can also affect the security of your home which makes it more prone to burglary. A quality lock can address this issue by making sure the windows are shut properly.
Having problems with your uPVC windows could be a hassle. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be easily fixed. Regular minor maintenance is the best way to prevent these problems. This includes oiling the mechanisms, hinges, and handles. This will make your windows last longer and stay functional.
If you find that your uPVC doors or windows aren't locking properly, it's important to have them repaired as soon as you can. This will stop the issue from deteriorating further and save you a lot of money in the future. There are several types of locks that you can use on your uPVC double-glazed windows. The most well-known type of lock is the one that is keyed. It can only be opened with the correct key. This kind of lock is compatible with windows that have double-hung doors and is easy to set up.
A mortice lock is a good option. It is secured to the frame using bolts. This kind lock is more secure than a sash or a night latch, which could be removed or broken in a short amount of time. It is generally more user-friendly than a sash or night latch, and can be fitted to most kinds of uPVC double-glazed windows.
If you have window frames made of uPVC that aren't closing or opening, you should check the hinges. Also, check the hinges' locations traverse through the frames. Sometimes, a small piece of wood or other debris could hinder the window from closing properly. In some instances replacing the component may be enough to fix the issue.
Double-glazed windows are a fantastic addition to any home, however they can become problematic over time. Fortunately, these issues can be resolved by an expert. A double-glazing expert with years of expertise can keep your windows in top shape.