Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing provides a thermal barrier that helps reduce the cost of energy. If they're damaged or fail to function correctly, they may let cold or heat escape or enter into your home, causing more expense to keep your home at a pleasant temperature.
The majority of these issues can be easily repaired, saving you from having to replace your double glazing. Here's how to identify and fix common issues.
Broken Panes
Broken glass is among the most frequent issues that double-glazed windows and doors confront. Cracks can occur for many reasons. Whether a pebble from a lawnmower flies into windows or an accident happens when a vase is damaged. Fortunately, they are usually easy to fix. For the best results, you should always contact an expert in double glazing. They'll have the tools and expertise to make sure that the repair is as safe and efficient as it can be. They'll also offer the assurance of their work, something you won't get trying to repair the problem yourself.
Double glazing companies can repair the mist that creates between two panes. To do so, they'll remove the glass that has been affected and clean the edges, and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. After that an additional seal must be put in place to prevent the issue from occurring again.
Sometimes, double-glazed windows can form cracks that go all through the glass panes. This is usually the result of some sort of structural problem with the window frame and is a much more serious issue that needs repair rather than replacing one pane.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass will make your home look ugly and could even be dangerous when the crack is large enough to allow debris or rainwater through. You can sometimes keep your cracked windows and doors in working in good order by placing a strip of strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can help keep superficial cracks from getting worse - especially stress cracks triggered by the fluctuation in temperature.
Double glazing repairs often require fixing frames that are difficult to open or have been sagging. Attempting to fix these issues on your own is time-consuming and could be dangerous if you don't have the proper equipment. If you're able, try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil to see if it can help. If the issue is serious, check with the company that supplied you with the double glazing. They may be willing visit and fix it.
Misting
Misting is a frequent issue for double-glazed windows and can be easily solved by a specialist tradesperson in this type of work. It occurs when the space between the panes becomes dirty, causing drops of water to become trapped inside the glass. It can be very unsightly and is crucial to fix it as soon as you can. This is a safety concern since it could be a danger for people who walk by the windows, or when children play in front of it.
The mist between windows can be the result of a range of causes such as condensation, air infiltration or even the growth of plants. This is especially hazardous, as epiphytic plants like orchids and airplants require moisture for their survival. If you suspect that this is the case, then you should contact a professional double glazing repair company and ask them to look into the issue. In many cases the windows will simply require cleaning however in some cases it could be necessary to replace one or more of the panes.
Another reason for misting can be when the frame gets slightly warped. This is a common occurrence in areas with extreme weather conditions. The frame can expand or contract, causing the seal to fail. This is a relatively simple fix that is done together with other repairs.
Difficult-to-open or sagging double glazing is often the result of temperature fluctuations. It can be resolved by wiping the frames down with cold water and then lubricating handles, mechanisms, hinges and anywhere where they pass through the frame. If the problem persists it is worth checking whether the company who sold you the double glazing comes with an insurance policy that covers the issue and what its conditions are.
Double repair of your windows is a affordable and less time-consuming option than replacing your windows. It is essential to choose a tradesperson who has been checked and vetted by Checkatrade before signing any contract.
Draughts
A drafty door is among the most frequent issues double glazing owners have to face. These cold breezes are an energy waste and can make it difficult to enjoy the warmth of your home.
When new double glazed units are installed, they are equipped with seals that will keep the cold air out while allowing the heat in. These seals may break down as time passes if they're constantly open and closed to allow air circulation. This means that the insulating properties of your double-glazed windows could be reduced, leading to the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.
The good news is that most draughts can be corrected without the necessity of replacing windows or doors. Lubricating and cleaning handles, hinges and mechanisms will help. If your sash windows have trouble closing correctly, you might also need to check the locks. If you notice that your uPVC double glazing or uPVC windows are difficult to open or shut You should call the company from where you bought it to find out what they can do.
A draught-proofing expert can also help you with some DIY projects around your home. They will have specialist tools to repair draughts in any room of your home. It is a good idea to select a professional who has Checkatrade accreditation as this will assure you that they have been thoroughly checked and vetted.
Enter your postcode in the search box on the Checkatrade site to find an expert in draughtproofing. This will give you an inventory of local trader who are skilled in this area.
Draught proofing can be fairly cost-effective, especially if find a specialist that offers an estimate for free. The cost will vary depending on the size of your house and the amount of draughts that are found and fixed. The amount of money that you can save by reducing your energy bill will likely more than offset the cost.
Broken Seals
As time passes, the seals that hold your multi-pane windows together could fail. This can lead to numerous issues, including misting, or even water damage. Many double glazing companies will fix this problem for you, thereby avoiding the cost of a total replacement. In some instances, this may involve defogging or re-instating glass units made of argon. This is best left to a professional because it is a long procedure that requires a vacuum pump as well as an expert to remove moisture and refill the empty spaces with Argon.
Foggy windows are an indication that the seals failed and that the insulating gas Krypton or argon which was sealed by vacuum between the two glass panes has escaped. This leaves your window vulnerable to condensation. The moisture will then etch the glass and cause an appearance of cloudy or misty that is not easily removed from either side of the window.
If you've recently installed your double glazing it is possible that it could still be covered by warranty, and in this scenario the original installer or window manufacturer will likely pay for the repair or replacement cost. If you decide to repair the damaged seal, you will not get the same savings in energy as a replacement unit.
Most of the time, the best option is to find a local tradesman that 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. You will also receive assurance that the company will repair the issue without cost if it occurs again in the future.
Make sure that the term "double-glazed repair" does not only refer to the replacement glass units, but also door sundries, such as doors or letterboxes, regardless of whether they are Georgian and leaded glass or toughened safety glass. They may become damaged or worn out over time and will need to be replaced when they are difficult to open, fall or sag.