Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing creates an insulation layer to help reduce energy bills. If they're damaged, or aren't functioning correctly, cold or heat could escape or enter your home, increasing the cost to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Thankfully, most of these problems can be fixed and save you the cost of replacing your double glazing completely. Here's how to identify and fix the most common problems.
Broken Panes
One of the most common problems double glazed doors and windows face is broken glass. Cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons. Whether a pebble from the lawnmowers falls into windows or an accident happens in a vase. Cracks are usually easily repaired. To get the best results, you should always contact a double glazing professional. They'll have the proper tools and know-how to ensure your repair is as safe and as effective as possible. You'll be covered by a guarantee for their work, which you will not receive if you try to do the repair yourself.
A double glazing company can fix the mist that is formed between two panes. To fix this, they will remove the glass pane affected, clean the edges and then blow hot air into the gap to dry it. After this is completed then a new seal will be put in place and the issue should not occur again.
Sometimes, double-glazed windows can develop cracks that go all the way through the glass panes. This is usually due to some sort of structural problem with the frame of the window and is a more serious problem that requires repair, rather than replacing a single pane.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer cracks in double-glazed glass will leave your home looking unsightly and can even be dangerous when the crack is large enough to allow rainwater or debris through. It is possible to keep damaged windows and doors in working condition by placing the strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can prevent superficial cracks from getting worse particularly stress cracks that are caused by temperature changes.
Often double glazing repairs require fixing frames that are difficult to open or have been sagging. If you don't own the right tools, it could be risky and time-consuming attempt to fix these issues yourself. If you're able try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil to see if it helps. If the issue is serious then contact the company that supplied you with the double glazing. They might be able to visit and fix it.
Misting
A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. It occurs when the space between the panes gets dirty and causes drops of water to become trapped within the glass. It can be very unsightly and is crucial to have it fixed in the earliest time possible. It's also a security issue and could cause injury when people walk by the windows or even when children play in front of them.
double glazing window repairs that appears between windows could be caused from a variety of factors such as condensation, air infiltration, or even growth of plants. The latter is particularly dangerous because epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants depend on moisture to survive. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact a professional repair service for double glazing and ask them to look into the problem. In many cases, the windows need to be wiped down however in some cases it could be required to replace one or more of the panes.
A slight warping of the frame can also cause misting. This happens most often in areas with extreme weather, and can cause the frame shrink or expand and this could cause the seal to break. This is a relatively easy fix that can be performed together with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or is sagging can be caused by fluctuations in temperature. To solve this problem it is recommended to clean the frames with cold water and lubricate the handles, mechanisms and hinges, as well as everywhere they go through the frame. This is often enough to solve the problem, however if it persists and continues to linger, it's worth checking whether the company you purchased the double glazing from has an insurance policy that covers this issue and what the terms of it.
Repairing double glazing is a more affordable and more convenient alternative to replacing your windows. It is crucial to choose a tradesperson who has been vetted and checked by Checkatrade before making any commitment to work.
Draughts
A draught around your doors is among the most common problems that double glazing owners must deal with. These gusts of cold air are a major waste of energy, and they also take away the warm, comfortable living space you deserve.
Seals are part of the new double-glazed units, which keep out cold air while letting in warmth. The seals could break over time if they're constantly opened and shut to allow air flow. The insulation properties could be diminished. This can result in higher heating costs and a less pleasant home.
Most draughts can be repaired without having to replace doors or windows. Lubricating and cleaning hinges, mechanisms and handles can be helpful. You might also need to inspect the locks on your sash window, especially when they're not closing correctly. If you notice that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or close, you should contact the company from which you purchased it to inquire about what they can do to help.
A draught-proofing expert may also assist you with DIY projects around the house. They'll have the tools to repair draughts in any room of your home. It is recommended to select a professional with Checkatrade certification as this will ensure that they have been thoroughly vetted and checked.
Enter your postcode in the search box on the Checkatrade website to find an expert in draughtproofing. This will give you the names of local traders who are proficient in this area.
Draught proofing can be fairly inexpensive, especially if you find a specialist that offers a free quotation service. The cost will vary depending on the size of your home and the amount of draughts that are found and fixed. However the amount you'll save on your energy bill is likely to more than offset any costs associated with having your draughts dealt with.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the seals holding your multi-paned windows together can fail. This can lead to numerous issues, including misting, or even water damage. Many double glazing companies can solve this issue for you, and save you the cost of a total replacement. In some cases this will require defogging or re-instating the glasses made of argon. This must be done by a professional as the process can take some time and requires a specialised vacuum pump to remove moisture, then fill the gap with argon gas and then reseal.
The windows that appear cloudy are a sign that the seals have failed and that the gas that insulates, argon or Krypton that was vacuum-sealed between the two panes of glass has been released. The window is susceptible to condensation. This moisture can etch the glass, resulting in a cloudy and misty appearance on either side of the windows.
If you installed your double-glazed unit recently there is a chance 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 opt to repair the damaged seal, it is important to understand that you will not get the same energy savings from an entirely new replacement unit.
The most effective option is to find a local tradesman that specializes in double glazing repairs near me. This way, they will be able to finish the job efficiently and quickly without any major disruption to your home. You will also receive a guarantee that the company will fix the problem free of charge if it occurs again in the future.
It is important to remember that a double glazed repair doesn't just refer to the replacement of the glass units but also includes any door sundries, such as letterboxes and doors - whether they're toughened safety glass or Georgian and leaded effect. They can become damaged or worn out over time and will need to be replaced when they are difficult to open, fall or sag.