Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing creates an insulation layer to help lower energy costs. If they're damaged or if they are not functioning correctly, heat or cold could escape or enter your home, increasing the cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Thankfully, most of these problems can be repaired, saving you the expense of replacing your double glazing altogether. Here's how you can identify and fix common issues.
Broken Panes
One of the most common problems double glazed windows and doors experience is broken glass. Cracks can occur for many reasons. Whether a pebble from mowers lands in the window or an accident happens when a vase is damaged. Fortunately, they are usually easy to fix. For the best results, it is recommended to contact a double glazing professional. They'll have the proper tools and knowledge to make sure that your repair is as secure and as effective as possible. You'll receive a warranty on their work, which you will not get if you try to repair the work yourself.
A double glazing business can repair the mist that creates between two panes. To fix this they'll remove the glass pane that is affected, clean up the edges and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. Once this has been done, a new seal will be created and the issue will not recur.
Sometimes, double-glazed windows may develop cracks that go all across both glass panes. repairs to double glazing windows is usually due to some sort of structural problem with the window frame and is a more serious problem that requires repairing than simply replacing one pane.
Cracks in double-glazed windows can be unsightly, and they could even be a danger to your safety if they are large enough to allow rainwater or debris enter. You can keep your damaged doors and windows in working in good order by putting a strip of strong-hold adhesive tape on both sides. This can help keep superficial cracks from getting worse, especially stress cracks that are caused by the fluctuation in temperature.
Double glazing repairs often require fixing frames that are difficult to open or have gaps that have sagged. If you don't own the appropriate tools, it can be risky and time-consuming try and fix these problems yourself. If you're able to try, you can lubricate the hinges, mechanisms and handles with oil to see if it will help. If the issue is severe, check with the company that sold you the double glazing. They may be willing come out and repair it.
Misting
Misting is a typical issue for double glazing and it is easily fixed by a specialist tradesperson in this kind of work. It occurs when the space between the panes becomes dirty, causing drops of water to form inside the glass. It can be very unsightly and it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. This is a safety concern since it could be a danger when people walk past the windows, or even when children play in front of the windows.
The mist between windows can be caused by a variety of causes like condensation, air infiltration or even plant growth. This is especially hazardous due to epiphytic plants, such as orchids and airplants rely on moisture to survive. If you suspect this is the case, you should seek out a professional double glazing repair company and ask them to examine the issue. In many cases, the windows will need to be wiped down however, in some instances it could be required to replace one or more panes.
A slight warping of the frame can also cause misting. This often happens in areas where there is extreme weather and it can cause the frame expand or shrink and this can cause the seal to crack. The good thing is that it is typically a simple fix and can be completed at the same time as other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or is sagging is often caused by fluctuations in temperature. To solve this problem it is suggested to wipe the frames with cold water, lubricate the handles, mechanisms and hinges, as well as everywhere they pass through the frame. If the problem persists you should check if the company that sold you the double-glazed unit has an insurance policy that covers this issue and what its terms are.
Repairing double glazing is a more affordable and more efficient alternative to replacing your windows. It is important to choose a tradesperson who has been vetted and checked by Checkatrade before making any commitment to work.
Draughts
Double glazing owners often have to deal with a breeze that is a nuisance in their doors. These cold breezes are unproductive, and they can also hinder you from enjoying a warm, comfortable home.
Seals are part of the new double-glazed units that keep out cold air while letting in warmth. The seals could break as time passes if they're constantly closed and opened to allow air circulation. The insulating properties may be reduced. This can result in more expensive heating bills and a less pleasant home.
The majority of draughts can be repaired without having to replace doors or windows. A simple cleaning and lubricating routine on handles, hinges and mechanisms should assist. You might also need to inspect your sash window's locks in case they're not closing properly. If you find that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or close it is recommended that you call the company from where you bought it to find out what they can do to help.
Another good alternative is to hire a draught proofing expert to complete some DIY work around your home. They will have specialist tools to repair draughts in any room of your home. Choose a tradesperson that has Checkatrade accreditation. This means that they have been thoroughly vetted and screened.
Enter your postcode into the search box on the Checkatrade site to find an expert in draughtproofing. This will give you a list of local traders who are skilled in this field.
Draught proofing can be relatively cost-effective, especially if find a service that provides the service of a free quote. The cost will depend on the size of the home and how many draughts are fixed. However the amount you could save on your energy bill is likely to exceed any costs associated with getting rid of your draughts.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the seals that keep your multi-pane windows together can fail. This can cause a host of problems including misting, and even water damage. The good news is that many double glazing companies can solve this for you and avoid the cost of a complete replacement. In some cases this will involve defogging or re-instating glass units made of argon. This is best left to a professional as it is a lengthy process that requires a vacuum pump and an expert to remove moisture and refill the empty spaces with argon.
The appearance of a window that is cloudy indicates that the seals failed and that the gas used to insulate argon or Krypton that was vacuum-sealed between the two glass panes has escaped. This leaves your window vulnerable to condensation. The moisture may then scratch the glass and create an appearance of cloudy or misty that is impossible to remove from either side of the window.
If you've recently installed your double glazing, it is possible that it may still be covered by warranty. In this scenario, the original installer or manufacturer will probably pay for the cost of repair or replacement. If you decide to repair the broken seal instead, it is important to understand that you won't get the same savings in energy from an entirely new replacement unit.
The most effective option is to find a local tradesman that specializes in repairs to double-glazing near me. This way, they will be able to finish the task quickly and efficiently without any major disruption to your home. Additionally, you will typically be able to obtain a guarantee from the company you hire that they will fix the problem for free if it happens again in the future.
It is also worth remembering that a double-glazed repair doesn't only mean the replacement of glass units but also includes any door sundries like doors and letterboxes, regardless of whether they're toughened safety glass or Georgian and leaded effect. They may become damaged or worn out over time, and will require replacement in the event that they are difficult to open, fall or sag.