Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing creates a thermal barrier that helps reduce the cost of energy. When they are damaged or fail to work properly, they can let cold or heat escape or get in into your home, causing more expense to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed and save you the cost of replacing your double glazing completely. Here's how you can identify and resolve common issues.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most common problems that double-glazed doors and windows encounter. If it's a pebble from the lawnmowers that crashes against a window or an accident with your favorite vase, cracks are easy enough to happen and can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, they are usually easy to fix. Always seek out a double glazing expert to get the best results. They will have the tools and know-how to ensure that the repair is safe and effective. You'll be covered by a guarantee for their work, which you won't receive if you try to do the repair yourself.
Double glazing companies can repair the mist that is formed between two panes. To do this, they'll remove the glass pane affected, clean the edges and then blow hot air into the gap to dry it. After this is done the seal will be put in place and the issue should not occur again.
Double-glazed windows may develop cracks that extend through both panes. This is usually caused by a structural problem with the frame of the window. It's an even more serious issue that needs to be fixed rather than replacing the glass pane.
Cracks in double-glazed windows are unsightly, and they could even be a danger to your safety if they are large enough to let rainwater or debris enter. It is possible to keep broken windows and doors in working in good order by placing a strip of strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can prevent superficial cracks from getting worse and especially stress cracks caused by temperature changes.
Double glazing repairs often involve fixing frames that are difficult to open or have sagged. If you don't have the proper tools, it could be risky and time-consuming to try and fix these problems yourself. If you're able to try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms and handles with oil to see if that helps. If the problem is more severe then you should contact the company through which you bought your double glazing. They might be willing to come out and fix it.
Misting
A double glazing specialist can easily solve this issue. It happens when the gap between the panes is dirty and causes drops of water to become trapped inside the glass. It can be very unsightly and is crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible. It is also a safety issue and could cause injury in the event that people walk by the windows, or even children playing in front of them.
The mist that appears between windows could be caused from a variety of things such as condensation, air infiltration, or even plant growth. The latter is especially risky because epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants rely on moisture to survive. If you suspect this is the case, then you should seek out a professional double glazing repair company and have them inspect the problem. In many cases the windows will simply need to be wiped down however, in some instances it might be required to replace one or more of the panes.
Another reason for misting is when the frame becomes slightly warped. This is common in areas with extreme weather conditions. The frame may expand or contract which causes the seal to fail. This is a fairly simple fix that is carried out together with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or sagging is often the result of temperature fluctuations and can be solved by cleaning the frames with cold water and lubricating handles hinges, mechanisms, and any other places they pass through the frame. If the problem continues it is worth checking whether the company that sold you the double glazing has a warranty covering this issue and what its terms are.
Repairing double glazing is a less expensive and more convenient alternative to replacing your windows. It is important to find a tradesperson that has been checked and vetted by Checkatrade before committing to any work.
Draughts
Double glazing owners often have to contend with the draught that occurs at their doors. These cold breezes are a huge expense and also deprive you of the warm, comfortable home you deserve.
Seals are included with new double-glazed units that keep out cold air and let in heat. However, these seals could break down in time, particularly when they are constantly closed and opened to allow for air circulation. This means that the insulating properties of your double-glazed windows could be diminished, resulting 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. A simple cleaning and lubrication routine on hinges, mechanisms and handles can aid. If your sash windows are not closing properly, you may also want to examine the locks. If you find that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or shut, you should contact the company where you bought it to find out what they can do to help.
A professional in draught-proofing can assist you with DIY projects around your home. They will have specialist tools to fix draughts in any part of your home. It is a good idea to choose a tradesperson with Checkatrade accreditation to ensure that they have been thoroughly vetted and checked.
To locate a draught proofing specialist, visit the Checkatrade website and enter your postcode in the search box. It will display an inventory of local traders who are proficient in this kind of work.
Draught proofing is fairly inexpensive, especially if you can find a specialist who offers a free quote service. The cost will vary based on the size of your home and the number of draughts that are discovered and repaired. However, the amount of money you can save on your energy bills is likely to exceed any costs associated with getting rid of your draughts.
Broken Seals
As time goes by, the seals that hold your multi-pane windows together can fail. This can lead to a range of problems, including misting, and even water damage. local double glazing repairs glazing companies will solve this issue for you, saving you the cost of a complete replacement. In some cases this could involve defogging the glass or replacing the argon units. This must be done by a professional as the process can take a bit of time and requires a specialised vacuum pump to eliminate water, fill the void with argon gas and then reseal.
Windows that are cloudy are a sure indication that the seals have failed and the insulating argon or Krypton gas that was sealed between the two panes has leaked out and the window is prone to condensation. This moisture can etch the glass, creating clouds and misty reflections on both sides of the windows.
If you've installed your double glazing in the past it is possible that the warranty is still valid. In this instance, either the original installer or the window manufacturer will cover the cost of repair or replacement. If you decide to repair the damaged seal instead, it is important to know that you won't get the same energy savings from a brand new replacement unit.
It is usually best to locate a local expert in double glazing repair near me. This way, they will be able complete the job efficiently and quickly without the need for any major disruption to your home. You can also get assurance that the company will fix the problem for free if the issue occurs again in the future.
Be aware that the term "double-glazed repair" does not only refer to the replacement glass units, but also to any door sundries like doors or letterboxes - regardless of whether they're Georgian and leaded glass or toughened safety glass. They may be damaged or worn over time, and should be replaced in the event that they become difficult to open or drop or slide.