Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing can reduce costs for energy by creating an insulation. If they're damaged or aren't functioning correctly, cold or heat can escape or get into your home, causing an increase in cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Most of these problems are easily fixable, saving you from having to replace your double glazing. 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. If it's a pebble from a lawnmower that falls against the window or an accident with a favorite vase, cracks are common enough to happen and can be extremely annoying. Fortunately, the majority are simple to fix. It is recommended to consult a double glazing specialist to get the best results. They'll have the equipment and expertise to ensure that your repair is safe and effective. You'll get a guarantee on their work, which you will not receive if you try to do the repair yourself.
Mist between the two double-glazed glass panes is another issue that can be easily fixed by a double glazing repair firm. To do this, they'll remove the glass pane that is affected clean the edges, then blow hot air into the gap in order to dry it. After this an additional seal must be put in place to prevent the issue from happening again.
Occasionally, double glazed windows may develop cracks that extend all the way through both panes of glass. This is usually due to a structural issue with the window frame. This is an even more serious issue that requires repair than just 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 may even pose a risk when the crack is large enough to allow debris or rainwater through. You can keep your cracked windows and doors in good order using a stripe of strong-hold adhesive tape on both sides. This can help keep superficial cracks from getting worse - especially stress cracks triggered by the fluctuation in temperature.
Double glazing repairs usually involve fixing frames that are difficult to open or have been sagging. 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 to try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles with oil to see if that helps. If the problem is serious, check with the company that supplied you with the double glazing. They may be willing help you fix it.
Misting
A double glazing expert can easily solve this issue. It happens when the space between the panes becomes dirty, resulting in an air droplet to enter the glass. It can be very unsightly and it's essential to fix it as soon as you can. This is a safety issue because it could be a risk for people who walk by the windows, or if kids are playing in front of the windows.
The mist that forms between windows can be caused by a number of things, including condensation air infiltration, and even growth of plants. This is especially dangerous because epiphytic plants such as orchids and air plants depend on moisture to survive. If you suspect this, you should contact an experienced repair service for double glazing to look into the issue. In some cases, the windows may only require cleaning. In other cases it may be required for one or several panes to be replaced.
A little warping of the frame may also cause misting. This is usually the case in areas that experience extreme weather conditions. It can cause the frame to shrink or expand and this can cause the seal to break. This is a fairly easy fix that can be carried out together with other repairs.
Sagging or difficult-to-open double glazing is often caused by temperatures that fluctuate and can be solved by wiping the frames clean with cold water and lubricating handles, mechanisms, hinges and other points where they go through the frame. This can often help solve the problem, however if it persists, then it is worth investigating whether the business you bought the double glazing from has an insurance policy that covers this and what the conditions of it.
Double repairs to your glazing are a affordable and less time-consuming alternative to replacing your windows. Before you commit to any work, it's important to find an expert who has been thoroughly vetted and verified by Checkatrade.
Draughts
Double glazing owners typically have to deal with a draught that occurs around their doors. These gusts of cold air are a huge expense and also deprive you of the warm, comfortable living space you deserve.
When new double-glazed units are installed, they are equipped with seals that keep the cold air out while allowing the heat in. These seals may break down in time if they're continuously opened and shut to allow air circulation. This means that the insulation properties of your double glazing could be reduced, which could result in the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.
The majority of draughts can be repaired without the need to replace windows or doors. Cleaning and lubricating handles, hinges and mechanisms will help. If your sash windows are not closing properly, you may also need to check 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 bought it to find out what they can do to help.
Another good alternative is to employ a draught proofing expert to complete some DIY work around your home. They'll have access to specialist tools that are able to identify and fix the draughts in any area of your home. It is a good idea to select a professional who has Checkatrade accreditation as this will ensure that they have been thoroughly checked and vetted.
To locate a draught proofing specialist, go to the Checkatrade website and type in your postcode into the search box. This will give you a list of local traders who are skilled in this field.
Draught proofing can be relatively inexpensive, especially if you locate a professional who offers a free quotation service. The cost will differ based on the size of your house and the number of draughts found and repaired. The amount you could save by reducing your energy bills will likely more than offset the cost.
Broken Seals
As time passes the seals that hold your multi-pane windows together can fail. This can cause a host of problems including misting, or even water damage. Many double glazing companies will solve this issue for you, saving you the cost of a total replacement. In some cases this will involve defogging or replacing glass units made of argon. This should be done by a professional as the process can take a bit of time and requires a specialised vacuum pump to eliminate moisture, refill the void with argon gas and then seal it.
Foggy windows are an indication that the seals failed, and that the gas used to insulate Krypton or argon which was vacuum-sealed between two glass panes has disappeared. This makes your window vulnerable to condensation. The moisture may then scratch the glass and cause clouds or mists that is not easily removed from either side of the window.
If you have installed your double glazing recently, it's possible that the warranty is still valid. In this instance the original installer or the manufacturer of the window will cover the cost of repair or replacement. If you decide to repair the damaged seal instead, it's crucial to be aware that you won't get the same savings in energy from a brand new replacement unit.
It is usually best to find a local expert in double glazing repair near me. This way, they will be able to finish the job efficiently and quickly without requiring any major disruption to your home. You can also get assurance that the company will correct the issue without cost if it occurs again in the future.
Make sure that a double-glazed repair does not just refer to replacement glass units, but also any door sundries like letterboxes or doors - regardless of whether they are Georgian and leaded glass or toughened safety glass. They may become damaged or worn out over time and need to be replaced in the event that they are difficult to open, fall or sag.