11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Do With Your Double Glazed Repairs Near Me
Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing is a thermal barrier that helps reduce energy bills. If they're damaged or if they are not functioning correctly, heat or cold can escape or enter your home, increasing the cost to maintain an ideal temperature.
Thankfully, most of these issues can be fixed which will save you the expense of replacing your double-glazing completely. Here's how to identify and fix common problems.
Broken Panes
One of the most frequent problems double glazed doors and windows face is broken glass. Whether it is a pebble from the lawnmower that flies against a window, or an accident with a favourite vase, cracks are common enough to happen and can be extremely frustrating. Luckily, most are easy to repair. For the best results you should always consult an expert in double glazing. They'll have the equipment and know-how to ensure that your repair is safe and efficient. They'll also offer a guarantee for their work which is something you can't get attempting the repair yourself.
Double glazing companies can repair the mist that forms between two panes. To do this, they'll take off the affected glass pane clean the edges and then blow hot air into the gap to dry it. After that an additional seal must be created to prevent the issue from happening again.
Occasionally, double glazed windows can develop cracks that extend all across the glass panes. This is usually caused by a structural problem with the frame of the window. It is a more serious problem that requires repair rather than replacing the glass pane.
In addition to reducing light and heat transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass will cause your home to look unsightly and can even be dangerous If the crack is wide enough to allow rainwater or debris through. You can sometimes keep your damaged doors and windows in good condition by placing the strong-hold tape on both sides of the crack. This can help keep superficial cracks from worsening - particularly stress cracks caused by changing temperatures.
Double glazing repairs often require fixing frames that are difficult to open or have gaps that have sagged. If you don't have the proper tools, it can be risky and time-consuming attempt to fix these issues yourself. Try making sure that you are lubricating the hinges, mechanisms and handles with oil if are able to. If the problem is more severe it is best to contact the company from which you purchased your double glazing - they might be willing to come out and repair it.
Misting
A double glazing expert can easily solve this issue. It happens when the space between the panes becomes dirty, causing drops of water to form inside the glass. It's very unattractive and therefore it is important 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 are playing in front of it.
Mist between the 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 like orchids and air plants depend on moisture for survival. If you suspect that this is the case, then you should seek out a professional repair service for double glazing and ask them to examine the problem. In many cases, the windows require cleaning however, in some instances, it may be required to replace one or more of the panes.
A little warping of the frame could also result in misting. This often happens in areas where there is extreme weather and it can cause the frame expand or shrink and this could cause the seal to crack. The good thing is that it is typically a simple fix and can be performed simultaneously with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or is sagging could be due to temperatures that fluctuate. To solve this problem it is suggested to wipe the frames with cold water, grease the handles, mechanisms and hinges, as well as everywhere they go through the frame. double glazing repairers can often help solve the issue but if it continues and continues to linger, it's worth investigating whether the business you bought the double glazing from has a warranty that covers this, and what the terms are of it.
Repairing double glazing is a less expensive and more efficient alternative to replacing your windows. Before you commit to any work, it's important to find a contractor that has been verified and vetted by Checkatrade.
Draughts
Double glazing owners often have to deal with a breeze that is a nuisance at their doors. These cold air gusts are unproductive, and they can also prevent you from enjoying a warm, comfortable home.
When new double-glazed units are installed, they come with seals to keep the cold air out and let the warmth in. These seals can break down in time if they're continuously closed and opened to allow air circulation. This means that the insulation properties of your double glazing could be reduced, leading to your heating bills 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 can be helpful. If your sash windows are not closing correctly, you might also want to examine the locks. If you notice that your uPVC double-glazed or uPVC windows are difficult to open or close it is recommended that you call the company from where you purchased it to see what they can do to help.
A professional in draught-proofing can assist you with DIY projects around the house. They will have the right tools to repair draughts in any part of your home. Choose a tradesperson who is certified by Checkatrade accreditation. This means they have been thoroughly vetted, and screened.
Enter your postcode into the search box on the Checkatrade site to find a specialist in draught-proofing. This will provide you with an inventory of local trader who are proficient in this area.
Draught proofing can be relatively inexpensive, especially if you find a service that provides an estimate for free. The cost will differ based on the size of your home and the amount of draughts that are discovered and fixed. However, the amount of money you could save on your energy bill is likely to exceed any cost associated with getting rid of your draughts.
Broken Seals
As time is passed, the seals that hold your multi-paned windows together can fail. This could cause a variety of problems, including misting and even water damage. The good news is that many double glazing companies can solve this for you, and even save the cost of a full replacement. In some cases this will involve defogging or re-instating glasses made of argon. This should be left to a professional as it is a long procedure that requires a vacuum pump and a specialist to remove moisture and refill the gaps with Argon.
Foggy windows are a clear indication that the seals failed and the insulating argon or krypton gas that was sealed between the two panes is now escaping and your window is now susceptible to condensation. This moisture can scratch the glass, giving it a cloudy and misty appearance on either side of the windows.
If you have installed your double glazing recently there is a chance that the warranty remains valid. In this scenario 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, you will not be able to enjoy the same energy savings that you would with a new replacement unit.
It is often best to locate a local double glazing repair specialist near me. This way, they'll be able to complete the task quickly and efficiently without any major disruption to your home. You can also get a guarantee that the company will correct the issue without cost if it occurs again in the future.
It is important to remember that a double-glazed repair doesn't only mean the replacement of the glass units, but also any door sundries, like doors and letterboxes, regardless of whether they're toughened safety glass or Georgian and leaded effects. These can be damaged or worn over time, and need to be replaced too when they become difficult to open or drop or sag.