Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing can help reduce costs for energy by creating a thermal barrier. If they're damaged or do not work correctly, heat or cold could escape or enter your home, thereby increasing the cost of maintaining the temperature you want to maintain.
Thankfully, most of these issues can be repaired which will save you the expense of replacing your double-glazing completely. Here's how to spot and fix common problems.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is one of the most frequent problems that double-glazed windows and doors confront. It doesn't matter if it's a small piece from the lawnmowers that crashes against a window or an accident with your favorite vase, cracks are common enough to happen and can be incredibly frustrating. The majority of cracks can be repaired. To get the best results, you should always consult an expert in double glazing. They'll have the equipment and knowledge necessary to make sure your repair is safe and efficient. You'll be covered by a guarantee for their work, which you will not receive if you try to repair the work yourself.
The mist that forms between the two panes of double-glazed glass is another frequent issue which can be easily addressed by a double glazing repair company. To do so they'll remove the affected pane of glass, clean up the edges and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. After this is completed then a new seal will be created and the problem should not occur again.
Sometimes, double-glazed windows may develop cracks that go all across the glass panes. This is usually due to a structural issue with the window frame. It's a more serious problem that requires repair rather than replacing one glass pane.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass will cause your home to look unsightly and could even be dangerous when the crack is large enough to allow rainwater or debris through. It is possible to keep your damaged doors and windows in good in good order by placing the strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can prevent superficial cracks from getting worse, especially stress cracks that are caused by changing temperatures.
A lot of times, double glazing repairs will require fixing frames that are difficult to open or have stretched. If you don't have the proper tools, it can be dangerous and time-consuming to attempt to fix these issues yourself. If you're able try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil to see if it will help. If the problem is more severe it is best to contact the company from whom you bought the double glazing. They might be willing to help out and fix the issue.
Misting
A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. This occurs when the space between the panes becomes dirty, resulting in a water droplet inside the glass. It's a very ugly sight and therefore it is important to fix it as soon as you can. It's also a security issue and could cause injury when people walk by the windows or if children are playing in the area.
Mist between the windows can be caused by a number of factors, including condensation, air infiltration, and even the growth of plants. The latter is particularly dangerous because epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants depend on moisture to thrive. If you suspect this is the case, it is best to contact an experienced double glazing repair company to look into the issue. In most cases, the windows will simply need to be wiped down however, in some instances, it may be required to replace one or more panes.
A slight warping of the frame can also cause misting. This is a common occurrence in areas with extreme weather conditions. double glazing repairers can expand or contract which causes the seal to fail. This is a fairly simple fix that is performed in conjunction with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or sagging can be caused by temperature fluctuations. To fix this issue it is recommended to clean the frames with cold water and lubricate the handles, mechanisms and hinges, and then everywhere they go through the frame. If the issue persists, it's worth checking if the company that supplied you with the double glazing has a warranty covering this issue and what the conditions are.
Repairing double glazing is a less expensive and more efficient alternative to replacing your windows. It is essential to find a professional who has been verified and checked by Checkatrade before signing any contract.
Draughts
A draught around your doors is among the most common problems that double glazing owners have to face. These cold air gusts are unproductive and could prevent you from enjoying the warmth of your home.
When new double-glazed units are installed, they are equipped with seals that keep the cold air out and the warmth in. However, these seals could be damaged over time, especially when they are continuously shut and opened for air circulation. The insulating properties may be reduced. This could result in more expensive heating bills and a more uncomfortable home.
Most draughts can be fixed without replacing doors or windows. A simple cleaning and lubrication routine on the handles, hinges and mechanisms should assist. You might also need to inspect your sash window's locks if they aren't closing properly. If you discover that your uPVC or double glazing isn't easy to close or open, it's worth getting in touch with the business that you purchased it from to see what you can do to fix it.
Another good alternative is to hire a draught proofing expert to do some DIY work on your home. They will have specialist tools to repair draughts in any room of your home. Select a contractor 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. It will display the list of traders in your area who are proficient in this type of work.
Draught proofing can be relatively cost-effective, especially if find a service that provides the service of a free quote. The cost will vary based on the size of your home and the number of draughts that are repaired. However the amount you could save on your energy bills is likely to more than offset the costs of the treatment of your draughts.
Broken Seals
As time goes by, the seals that keep your multi-pane windows together may fail. This could cause a host of problems including misting, or even water damage. Many double glazing companies will fix this problem for you, and save you the cost of a total replacement. In some cases this could involve dissolving the glass and reinstating the argon units. This should be left to a professional because it is a long process that requires a vacuum pump and a specialist to eliminate water and fill the empty spaces with argon.
The appearance of a window that is cloudy indicates that the seals have failed and that the insulating gas Krypton or argon which was vacuum-sealed between two panes of glass has been released. This makes your window vulnerable to condensation. The moisture may etch the glass, giving it a cloudy and misty appearance on both sides of the windows.
If you've installed your double glazing in the past it is possible that the warranty remains valid. In this instance either the original installer or the manufacturer of the window will cover the cost of repair or replacement. If you decide to fix the damaged seal, you won't get the same savings in energy that you would with a new replacement unit.
The most effective solution is to find an expert local tradesman who specializes in double glazing repairs near me. They will be able to complete the job quickly, effectively and without causing any major disruptions to your home. Additionally, you will often receive a guarantee from the company you choose to hire that they will repair the issue at no cost should it occur again in the future.
It is also worth remembering that a double glazed repair isn't limited to the replacement of the glass units but also includes any door sundries, like doors and letterboxes, regardless of whether they're toughened security glass or Georgian and leaded effects. These can be damaged or worn over time, and must be replaced when they become difficult to open or drop or slide.