Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing creates a thermal barrier that helps lower energy costs. If they're damaged, or aren't functioning correctly, heat or cold can escape or get into your home, causing an increase in cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Thankfully, most of these issues can be repaired, saving you the expense of replacing your double glazing completely. Here's how to spot and fix common issues.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed doors and windows encounter. Cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons. If a pebble from a lawnmower flies into the window or an accident happens in a vase. Most cracks are easily repaired. For the best results, you should always contact a double glazing professional. They'll have the right tools and knowledge to make sure that the repair is as safe and as effective as possible. They'll also provide the assurance of their work, something you won't get attempting the repair yourself.
Mist between the two panes of double-glazed glass is another issue that can be easily fixed by a double glazing repair firm. To fix this they'll take off the glass pane that is affected, clean up the edges and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. After this the seal needs to be put in place to prevent the issue from happening again.
Double-glazed windows may develop cracks that extend through both panes. This is usually due to an issue with the window frame. It is an even more serious issue that requires repair rather than replacing a single glass pane.
Cracks in double-glazed windows can be unattractive, and could even pose a risk to safety when they are large enough to let rainwater or debris pass through. You can sometimes keep your damaged windows and doors in working order by using a strip of strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can help prevent superficial cracks from getting worse - especially stress cracks triggered by fluctuating temperatures.
A lot of times, double glazing repairs will involve fixing frames that are difficult to open or have sagged. If you don't own the proper tools, it could be risky and time-consuming try and fix these problems yourself. Try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil if you can. If the issue is more serious it is best to contact the company from whom you purchased the double glazing. They might be willing to help out and repair it.
Misting
A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. This occurs when the space between the panes is dirty, resulting in drops of water to form inside the glass. This can be quite unsightly and it is essential to fix it as soon as possible. This is a safety issue as it can be dangerous when people walk past the windows, or even when children play in front of the windows.
Mist between the windows can be caused by a number of things including condensation, air infiltration and even plant growth. The latter is especially risky since epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants rely on moisture to survive. If you suspect that this is the case, you should contact a professional double glazing repair company and have them inspect the issue. In most cases, the windows will simply require cleaning however in some cases it might be required to replace one or more panes.
A small amount of warping in the frame can also cause misting. This is typical in areas that experience extreme weather conditions. The frame may expand or contract and cause the seal to fail. The good news is that this is typically a simple fix and can be completed simultaneously with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or sagging is often the result of temperature fluctuations. It can be solved by wiping the frames clean with cold water and then lubricating handles, mechanisms, hinges and anywhere where they pass through the frame. This is often enough to solve the issue but if it continues, then it is worth investigating whether the business that you bought the double-glazed from has an insurance policy that covers this and what the conditions of it.
Double glazing repairs are a much cheaper and more convenient alternative to replacing your windows. Before committing to any work, it's important to find a contractor who has been vetted and checked by Checkatrade.
Draughts
Double glazing owners often have to contend with the draft that can be felt in their doors. These cold winds are a huge waste of energy and they also deprive you of the warm, comfortable home you deserve.
When new double glazed units are installed, they are equipped with seals to keep cold air out and let the warmth in. These seals can break down over time if they're constantly opened and shut to allow air flow. This means that the insulation properties of your double glazing could be diminished, resulting in the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.
The good news is that the majority of drafts can be repaired without the requirement for replacement doors or windows. Cleaning and lubricating hinges, mechanisms and handles can be helpful. You might also need to examine the locks on your sash window, especially in case they're not closing properly. If you find that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or close You should contact the company where you bought it to find out what they can do.
A draught-proofing expert may also assist you with DIY projects around the home. They'll have the equipment to correct draughts within any area of your home. Choose a professional who has Checkatrade accreditation. This means they have been thoroughly vetted and checked.
To find a draughtproofing specialist, go to the Checkatrade website and type in your postcode into the search box. This will give you a list of local traders who are experts in this field.
Draught proofing is fairly inexpensive particularly if you find a specialist who offers a free quote service. The cost will depend on the size of your home and the number of draughts that are repaired. However, the amount of money you could save on your energy bill is likely to be more than offset the costs of having your draughts dealt with.
Broken Seals
As time is passed, the seals that hold the windows that have multiple panes together may fail. This could cause a host of problems including misting, and even water damage. The good news is that a lot of double glazing companies can fix this for you and save the cost of a full replacement. In some instances, this may require defogging or re-instating the glasses made of argon. This should be done by a professional, since the process can take a bit of time and requires a special vacuum pump to eliminate moisture, then fill the empty space with argon gas, and then seal it.
The windows that appear cloudy are a sign that the seals failed, and that the gas that insulates, Krypton or argon which was sealed by vacuum between the two glass panes has escaped. This leaves your window susceptible to condensation. The moisture may etch the glass, resulting in a cloudy and misty appearance on either side of the windows.
If you've recently put in your double glazing, it is possible that it could still be covered by warranty. In this situation the original installer or manufacturer will likely cover the repair or replacement cost. If you decide to fix the damaged seal, you won't be able to enjoy the same energy savings as a replacement unit.
It is recommended to locate a local double glazing repair specialist near me. This way, they'll be able to complete the job efficiently and quickly without requiring any major disruption to your home. Additionally, you will often receive an assurance from the company you hire that they will repair the issue at no cost should it happen again in the future.
It is also worth remembering that a double-glazed repair isn't limited to the replacement of glass units, but also any door sundries, like doors and letterboxes - regardless of whether they're toughened security glass or Georgian and leaded effect. They can become damaged or worn out over time and will require replacement if they are difficult to open, drop or slide.