Common Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Double glazing creates a thermal barrier that helps lower energy costs. If they're damaged or fail to work properly, they can let heat or cold escape or enter, costing you more money to keep your home at a pleasant temperature.
Thankfully, most of these problems can be repaired and save you the cost of replacing your double glazing completely. Here's how to spot and resolve common issues.
Broken Panes
One of the most common problems double glazed doors and windows face is broken glass. Whether it is a pebble from the lawnmower that flies against the window or an accident with a favorite vase, cracks are common enough to happen and can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, the majority are simple to repair. Always consult a double glazing specialist to get the best results. They'll have the equipment and know-how to make sure your repair is safe and efficient. You'll receive a warranty on their work, which you will not get if you attempt to fix the problem yourself.
Mist between your two panes of double-glazed glass is another frequent issue that can easily be fixed by a double glazing repair firm. To fix this, they'll remove the affected pane of glass and clean the edges and then pipe hot air into the gap to dry it. Following this an additional seal must be put in place to prevent the issue from occurring again.
Double-glazed windows may develop cracks that extend through both panes. This is usually due to an problem with the frame of the window. It's a more serious problem that requires repair than just replacing a single glass pane.
In addition to reducing heat and light transfer, cracks in your double-glazed glass can make your home look ugly and could even be dangerous if the crack is wide enough to allow rainwater or debris through. It is possible to keep your cracked windows and doors in good in good order by putting a strip of strong-hold adhesive tape on both sides. This can help prevent superficial cracks from getting worse and especially stress cracks that are caused by temperature changes.
Double glazing repairs often require fixing frames that are difficult to open, or have been sagging. Attempting to fix these issues on your own can be very time-consuming and could be risky if you don't have the appropriate equipment. Try lubricating the hinges, mechanisms, and handles using oil if you are able to. If the problem is more severe it is best to contact the company from which you bought your double glazing. They might be willing to come out and repair it.
Misting
A double glazing expert can easily fix this problem. It happens when the space between the panes gets dirty, causing drops of water to form inside the glass. It's very unattractive and therefore it is important to repair it as quickly as you can. This is a safety concern as it can be dangerous if people walk by the windows, or even when children are playing in front of the windows.
Mist between the windows can be caused by a number of things including condensation, air infiltration, and even the growth of plants. This is especially hazardous, as epiphytic plants like orchids and airplants rely on moisture for survival. If you suspect this is the case, you should call an expert repair service for double glazing to look into the issue. In many cases the windows will require cleaning however, in some instances it could 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 can cause the frame to expand or shrink and this can cause the seal to crack. The good news is that this is typically a simple fix and can be done simultaneously with other repairs.
Double glazing that is difficult to open or that is sagging is often caused by temperature fluctuations. To resolve this issue it is recommended to clean the frames with cold water, grease the handles, mechanisms, and hinges, and everywhere they pass through the frame. If the problem continues you should check if the company that supplied you with the double-glazed unit has an insurance policy that covers this issue and what the conditions are.
Double repairs to your glazing are a affordable and less time-consuming alternative to replacing your windows. Before committing to any work, it is essential to choose a contractor who has been thoroughly vetted and vetted by Checkatrade.
Draughts
Double glazing owners typically have to contend with the draught that occurs in their doors. These gusts of cold air are a major waste of energy and they also rob you of the cozy, warm living space you deserve.
When new double glazed units are installed, they come with seals to keep cold air out and let the warmth in. These seals can break down over time if they're constantly closed and opened to allow air flow. This means that the insulating properties of your double-glazed windows could be reduced, which could result in the cost of heating rising and your home becoming less comfortable.
The good news is that most draughts can be fixed without the requirement for replacement doors or windows. A simple cleaning and lubricating routine on the handles, hinges and mechanisms can aid. If your sash windows aren't closing correctly, you might be required to check the locks. If you discover that your uPVC or double glazing isn't easy to close or open it's double glazed repairs near me a good idea to get in touch with the company you bought it from to find out what they can do.
Another alternative is to employ an expert in draught proofing to do some DIY work at your home. They'll have access to specific tools that can be used to find and fix the draughts in any area of your home. It is a good idea to choose a contractor with Checkatrade accreditation as this will assure you that they have been thoroughly examined double glazing companies near me and vetted.
To find a draughtproofing specialist, visit the Checkatrade website and type in your postcode in the search box. This will show the read more list of traders in your area who are proficient in this type of work.
Draught proofing is relatively affordable, particularly if you 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 discovered and repaired. However, the amount of money you could save on your energy bill is likely to be more than offset the costs of having your draughts dealt with.
Broken Seals
As time goes by, the seals that hold your windows with multiple panes can fail. This could cause a variety of issues, such as misting, and even water damage. The good news is that a lot of double glazing companies can resolve this for you and save the cost of a full replacement. In some cases this could involve defogging the glass or replacing the argon units. This should be done by a professional as the process may take some time and requires a specialised vacuum pump to remove water, fill the empty space with argon gas, and then seal.
The windows that appear cloudy are a sign that the seals failed and that the gas that insulates, Krypton or argon which was vacuum-sealed between the two glass panes has escaped. This leaves your window susceptible to condensation. This moisture can etch the glass, creating a cloudy and misty appearance on either side of the windows.
If you have installed your double glazing recently, it's possible 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 decide to repair the damaged seal, it is important to understand that you won't get the same energy savings from the brand new replacement unit.
The most effective option is to find a local tradesman who specialises in repairs to double glazing near me. They will be able complete the task quickly, efficiently and without causing any major disruptions to your home. You can also get assurance that the company will repair the issue free of double glazing units near me charge if it occurs again in the future.
It is also worth remembering that a double glazed repair doesn't only mean the replacement of glass units, but also any door sundries, such as doors and letterboxes, regardless of whether they're toughened safety glass or Georgian and leaded effect. They can be damaged or worn out over time and will need here to be replaced in the event that they are difficult to open, fall or sag.