Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing can help reduce energy bills by creating a thermal barrier. If they are damaged, or if they are not functioning correctly, cold or heat could escape or enter your home, increasing the cost to maintain an ideal temperature.
Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed and save you the expense of replacing your double-glazing completely. Here's how to identify and resolve common issues.
Broken Panes
One of the most common issues double-glazed doors and windows face is broken glass. If it's a pebble from the lawnmowers that crashes against a window or an accident with a favourite vase, cracks are easy to occur and can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, the majority are simple to repair. You should always seek out a double glazing expert for the best results. They will have the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure that your repair is safe and effective. They'll also provide an assurance for their work, something you can't get doing the repair yourself.
Mist between your two double-glazed glass panes is another issue which can be easily addressed by an expert repair service for double glazing. To do this, they will remove the affected glass pane clean the edges, then blow hot air into the gap in order to dry it. Once this has been done then a new seal will be put in place and the issue will not recur.
Double-glazed windows can develop cracks that span both panes. This is usually the result of an issue with the structure with the window frame and is a much more serious problem that requires repairing than simply replacing the glass in a single piece.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer cracks in double-glazed glass will make your home look ugly and can even be dangerous when the crack is large enough to allow rainwater or debris through. 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 prevent superficial cracks from getting more severe, especially stress cracks caused by temperature changes.
Often double glazing repairs include fixing frames that are difficult to open or have stretched. Attempting to fix these issues yourself can be a long and tedious process and potentially dangerous if you don't have the appropriate equipment. If you're able try, you can lubricate the mechanisms, hinges and handles with oil to see if it will help. If the issue is more serious, you should check with the company from whom you purchased your double glazing - they might be willing to help out and repair it.
Misting
Misting is a common problem for double-glazed windows and can be easily solved by a professional who specializes in this kind of work. repairing double glazing occurs when the gap between the panes is dirty and it causes a water droplet to be trapped within the glass. This can be quite unsightly and is crucial to have it fixed as soon as you can. It's also a safety issue and can cause harm if people walk past the windows, or even when children play in front of them.
The mist between windows can be the result of a range of things such as condensation, air infiltration or even growth of plants. The latter is especially risky since epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants rely on moisture to survive. If you suspect this, you should contact an expert repair company for double glazing to look into the issue. In many cases, the windows require cleaning however in some cases it might be necessary to replace one or more panes.
A slight warping of the frame may also cause misting. This is usually the case in areas where there is extreme weather conditions. It could cause the frame to expand or shrink and this can cause the seal to break. The good news is that this is generally a simple fix that can be completed in conjunction with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or that is sagging can be caused by temperature fluctuations. To solve this problem, you should wipe the frames with cold water, grease the handles, mechanisms and hinges, and then everywhere they go through the frame. This can often help solve the issue but if it continues, then it is worth checking whether the company you bought the double glazing from has a warranty that covers this, and what the terms of it.
Double repairs to your glazing are a affordable and less time-consuming option than replacing your windows. It is crucial to find a professional who has been vetted and checked by Checkatrade before making any commitment to work.
Draughts
A drafty door is one of the most frequent issues double glazing owners must confront. These gusts of cold air are a major expense and also deprive you of the cozy, warm home environment that you deserve.
Seals are a part of new double-glazed units that keep out cold air and let in warmth. However, these seals could be damaged in time, particularly if they are constantly being closed and opened to allow for air ventilation. The insulation properties can be diminished. This can lead to higher heating costs and a less pleasant home.
The good news is that the majority of draughts can be fixed without the need for replacement windows or doors. A simple cleaning and lubricating routine on the handles, hinges and mechanisms will aid. If your sash windows aren't 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 purchased it to inquire about what they can do.
A draught-proofing expert may also assist you with DIY projects around the home. They will have access to special tools that can be used to locate and repair the draughts in any area of your home. It is recommended to choose a contractor with Checkatrade certification as this will ensure that they've been thoroughly examined and vetted.
Enter your postcode in the search box on the Checkatrade site to find a specialist in draught-proofing. It will display the list of traders in your area who are proficient in this kind of work.
Draught proofing can be fairly cost-effective, especially if find a service that provides an estimate for free. The cost will be based on the size of the home and how many draughts are repaired. The amount of money that you could save by reducing your energy bill will likely more than offset the costs.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the seals that hold your multi-pane windows together can fail. This can cause numerous issues, including misting, and even water damage. The good news is that many double glazing companies can resolve this for you, and even save the cost of a complete replacement. In some instances, this may involve defogging or re-instating glass units made of argon. This should be performed by a professional, as the process can take a bit of time and requires a special vacuum pump to eliminate moisture, refill the gap with argon gas and then seal it.
The windows that appear cloudy are a clear sign that the seals have failed and the insulating argon or Krypton gas that was vacuum-sealed between the two panes has leaked out and the window is prone to condensation. The moisture will then etch the glass and cause an appearance of cloudy or misty that cannot be removed from either side of the window.
If you've recently installed your double glazing, it is possible that it could remain under warranty. In this case, the original installer or window manufacturer will probably pay for the repair or replacement cost. If you decide to fix the damaged seal, you won't be able to enjoy the same energy savings that you would with a new replacement unit.
Most of the time, the best alternative is to locate a local tradesman who specialises in repairs to double-glazing near me. This way, they will be able to complete the job quickly and effectively without any major disruption to your home. You can also get an assurance that the business will correct the issue without cost if it occurs again in the future.
Be aware that double-glazed repairs do not just refer to replacement glass units, but also to any door sundries such as 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 need to be replaced if they become difficult to open or drop or slide.