How to Repair Double Glazing

Double-glazed windows last for a long time and secure, but they can wear and tear over time. Signs that your double glazing needs repair include a feeling of draught or condensation between the windowspanes.

The seal that keeps the glass panes in place is usually damaged. Resealing can fix this.

Seals

The seals that are used in double glazing are a crucial element of the overall insulation and energy efficiency of windows. They are situated between the glass panes and upvc window repairs frames they provide a vital airtight barrier which helps to keep out rain, wind drafts, condensation, and drafts which can cause damp on windowsills and walls. Window seals can also help keep warm and cold air from each other, which can reduce heating costs.

It is not uncommon for window seals to develop defects. This is usually due to exposure to extreme weather conditions and elements such as high winds, rain and snow. It can also be caused by incorrect installation or chemicals like paint strippers which damage the rubber.

If the window seals fail, humidity and moisture may seep through the glass panes causing fogging or misting. It could also affect the insulating properties of the double glazing because it will no longer have the inert gas between the panes which helps to keep heat in.

If you know what to look out for, it's possible to perform some DIY double-glazed window seal repair. It is best to employ a professional to do the job. They can repair windows to improve their energy efficiency and insulating qualities, and remove any unsightly condensation that has formed between the glass panes.

Many double glazed windows are covered by a warranty which means that they are able to be fixed or replaced at no cost to the homeowner. It's a good idea to check the warranty documents that came with your double glazing or contacting the company you bought it from to determine whether they are able to provide any assistance. It's also worth looking over your home insurance policy to be sure that you're covered in case of any problems with double glazing. If you have insurance, it's important to make sure that your claim is made as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary costs. You can also contact the Building Control Department of your local authority for assistance and advice.

Glass

Double glazing isn't indestructible, and problems with it can develop. The most common issue is misting. This happens when the seal breaks between two panes and moisture builds up. It is possible to fix misted double glazing without having to replace the entire window. Repairing it involves removing the damaged pane, blowing air into the gap to remove any moisture that remains, and then creating a new seal.

Double-glazed windows are made from a wide selection of glass. Some of the glass is plain like mirrors or safety glass, but it is tempered to increase strength and safety. Certain types of glass have coatings applied to them to improve their properties. This could include solar control glass, which reduces glare and stops heat transfer; extra clean glass, which is stain-resistant and self-cleaning and the chromogenic glass, which alters transparency depending on the temperature.

Some manufacturers also offer high-efficiency double glazed units. These use insulated glass with special films that help maintain the internal temperature, so heating and cooling systems aren't required to work as hard to keep the temperature at a comfortable level within your home.

In most cases, they are an affordable alternative to replacement windows and they offer excellent energy savings. These units should be maintained correctly in order to preserve their effectiveness as time passes.

The most important thing to do is contact the company you bought your double glazing from as soon as you notice an issue. Contact them by phone, and then follow-up by writing a letter or email. This means you'll have proof that you notified them about the problem and that you and them have agreed to correct the issue. If you're looking to claim a warranty it is essential to do this. Many companies offer 10 or 20-year guarantees, while some give lifetime warranties.

Frame

The frames that hold the double glazing are made from materials such as plastic and double glazing wood, which can be damaged in various ways. Damaged frames may allow cold air to enter your home, which could increase the cost of heating. Frames can also become warped, twisted and discoloured as time passes. They might need to be replaced or at least cleaned and sanded down to repair them.

If you have a problem with the frames of your windows, it is recommended that you call an expert glazier to help you as they have the skills and tools needed to carry out this type of repair. You can make some repairs yourself, however it's generally faster and less expensive to seek out professional advice. A qualified glazier will complete the task correctly and you are able to be reimbursed for any costs.

One of the most common signs that your double glazing needs repairing is condensation building up in between the glass panes. This is usually a sign that the seal has failed and is allowing air to move between the panes. This could cause the moisture to fall and make your room feel draughty. This should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid any further problems.

It is not always necessary to replace the entire window, as long as it hasn't been cracked or broken. The frame could be in good condition, and therefore it's more cost-effective to replace the glass in the window doctor.

Many companies will provide the same day service for double glazing repairs, but it is important to know what you need before requesting a quote. It is not unusual for sales representatives to try to convince people to buy more expensive repairs than they really need. It is crucial to know what you want, how much you need to pay and the reason for it. This will allow you to identify sales tactics that are high-pressure.

It is a good idea to have your double glazing examined every couple of years since they will be in good order and help avoid issues. It is recommended to obtain an estimate from a reputable firm if you need to repair your double glazing. They will have the experience and knowledge to resolve your issue quickly.

Locks

If you are looking to repair double glazing or have new windows installed, a reputable tradesperson should install a lock to secure your window. As part of the quote the installer will discuss the various locking systems available and choose the one that best suits your needs and local crime rate. An option that is popular is an Espagnolette system, which is comprised of mushroom headed bolts that engage behind locking points on the frame. They are typically used on uPVC but they can also be added to aluminum and wood.

Other locks are designed to limit the amount a window can open. If yours is a casement style window, think about installing a Canzak Window Restriction Cable that functions like a chain lock for doors and can be secured to either side of the moving portion to stop it from opening too much. It's also easy to fit and one of the few locks that can be used on casements.

For sash windows with hinges, a hinged wedge lock is a quick solution to prevent the lower sash from lowering enough to let an intruder inside. Cut a piece of wood the length of the channel used to operate the lower sash. Install it and fix it to the wall.

You can also attach keys to your casement or sash window. These are more robust than latch locks and are typically used in conjunction with them to ensure the security of windows. These are located on the outside of windows and can be utilized on double and single-hung windows as well as sliding ones.

There are other ways to make double glazed windows more secure, such as adding a shoot bolt locking system that includes bolts that shoot from both ends of the frame to create an extremely strong lock. They are usually available as an upgrade and are suitable for both commercial and domestic use.

It is also important to ensure that your double glazing installer is accredited by a recognised trade body, such as Checkatrade, to ensure they have the experience and expertise to carry out top-quality work that is in line with their standards.